in the same league as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the same league as" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare the quality, status, or ability of two or more entities, suggesting they are of similar caliber. Example: "In terms of innovation, this new smartphone is in the same league as the leading brands on the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Comparison

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm not in the same league as that.

The Guardian - Sport

Not in the same league as Pippa's book.

Independent

The beef was tasty but not in the same league as the pork.

The New York Times

But, let's face it, the Giants' defense is not in the same league as the Ravens'.

The New York Times - Sports

As a national icon, Bondi is in the same league as the opera house and Uluru.

The Guardian - Travel

Inevitably, Vieux Farka Toure is not in the same league as his father.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obviously they weren't in the same league as Nirvana, but New Order do fine for themselves.

The Guardian - Music

"How am I going to be in the same league as Herschel Walker?" Tebow said.

The New York Times - Sports

Is "boo" really in the same league as "dope" and "hep"?

The New Yorker

It would put Las Vegas in the same league as San Francisco or Chicago.

The New York Times - Food

"Cheque fraud may be wrong, but it is not in the same league as stabbing someone".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "In the same league as" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but more formal alternatives like "on par with" or "of equal caliber to" might be more appropriate in academic or professional writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the same league as" when there is a significant disparity between the items being compared. This can lead to misrepresentation or exaggeration. For example, saying a local café is "in the same league as" a Michelin-starred restaurant is likely an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the same league as" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used for comparison. It connects two nouns or noun phrases, indicating that they are of similar quality, status, or ability. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the same league as" is a prepositional phrase used to express comparability between two subjects, suggesting they are of similar quality or status. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as sports contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While it has a neutral register, more formal alternatives such as "on par with" or "of equal caliber to" may be preferable in some situations. Remember to ensure logical comparison and avoid overstatements when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on par with

Implies equality in status or quality, often used in formal contexts. Slightly more concise.

comparable to

Suggests a similarity that allows for comparison, but does not necessarily imply equality. More neutral in tone.

on a similar level to

Emphasizes a hierarchical comparison, implying a shared position on a scale. More explicit.

in the same class as

Suggests belonging to the same category or grade, often used for ranking items. Slightly more formal.

of equal caliber to

Highlights comparable quality and competence, often used in professional contexts. More formal.

matches the standard of

Focuses on reaching a specific benchmark or expectation. More specific in its application.

bears comparison with

Indicates that a comparison is justified and meaningful, although not necessarily implying equality. More literary.

can be likened to

Suggests a resemblance or analogy, without requiring direct equivalence. More figurative.

equivalent to

Implies a one-to-one correspondence in value or function. More direct and precise.

as good as

A simpler, more direct way to express similar quality. Less formal.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the same league as" to compare the quality, status, or ability of two or more entities. For example, "This new smartphone is "in the same league as" the leading brands on the market".

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

You can use alternatives like "on par with", "comparable to", or "of equal caliber to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in the same league as" or "on par with"?

Both ""in the same league as"" and "on par with" are correct, but "on par with" is generally considered more formal and concise.

What does it mean when something is described as "not in the same league as" something else?

When something is described as "not "in the same league as"" something else, it means it is considered significantly inferior in quality, status, or ability.