in the same league

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the same league" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe being in the same category or class as something else, typically used in comparison. Example: My friend is a great artist, but I'm not quite in the same league.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Opinion

Arts

Sport

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This isn't in the same league.

The Guardian - Film

They played football in the same league.

The Washington Post

I don't consider them in the same league".

The New Yorker

(In the same league, perhaps, but not quite equal.

The New York Times - Health

Not in the same league as Pippa's book.

Independent

We compete in the same league every Friday.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Are boilerplate descriptions of physiological functions in the same league?

The New Yorker

My tongue was not in the same league.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The two artists are not in the same league.

The New York Times

I'm not in the same league as that.

The Guardian - Sport

You're not seen in the same league as the free stuff.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the same league" to draw a direct comparison, implying that the items being compared have approximately the same level of skill, quality, or importance. Avoid using it when differences are significant.

Common error

Avoid using "in the same league" when a comparison requires more nuanced wording. For example, do not use it when implying one thing is negligibly superior. Instead, choose phrases that better reflect those subtle disparities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the same league" functions as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. It suggests that two or more entities possess a similar level of skill, quality, or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a commonly used and grammatically sound expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Opinion

3%

Arts

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the same league" is a widely recognized and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used for direct comparison. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability and widespread acceptance. It's commonly found in news media but also appears in academic and professional contexts. The phrase suggests that the entities being compared are of similar quality, skill, or status, rather than drastically different. For alternative phrasing, consider "on par with", "comparable to", or "of the same caliber as" for varying degrees of formality and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on par with

Indicates equality in status or quality, often used in professional contexts.

equal to

Directly states that two things have the same value or level.

comparable to

Suggests similarity and allows for minor differences.

in the same category as

Focuses on shared classification rather than precise equivalence.

in a similar class to

Highlights a comparable ranking or grouping.

of the same caliber as

Emphasizes equivalent quality or talent.

matches the quality of

Focuses on the alignment of standards or characteristics.

bears comparison to

Suggests similarity, implying that direct comparison is valid.

as good as

A more informal expression of equality in quality or performance.

in the same echelon as

Highlights similar ranking or position in a hierarchical structure.

FAQs

How can I use "in the same league" in a sentence?

Use "in the same league" to indicate that two or more things are comparable in terms of quality, ability, or status. For example, "While both are talented, only one is "in the same league" as the champion".

What are some alternatives to "in the same league"?

You can use alternatives such as "on par with", "comparable to", or "of the same caliber as" to express a similar meaning of being at a similar level or standard.

Is it appropriate to use "in the same league" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the same league" is suitable for many formal contexts, particularly when making comparisons. However, consider your audience and the specific tone you wish to convey. In highly formal or academic writing, more precise or technical language might be preferable.

What's the difference between "in the same league" and "a league of their own"?

"In the same league" implies items are comparable, while "a league of their own" suggests something is uniquely superior or distinct. The former means comparable, the latter means unmatched.