is comparable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is comparable" can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is similar to something else. For example: The quality of his work is comparable to that of a professional.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Academic performance is comparable.

The New York Times

"This team is comparable.

The New York Times

College is comparable.

Harvard University

"I don't think it is comparable at all.

The New York Times

Her pay is comparable to that of earlier executive editors.

The New Yorker

"This is comparable to name calling," he said.

The New York Times

Gilbert's style is comparable: long paragraphs effloresce with superabundant detail.

The Guardian - Books

But none of that is comparable to human level intelligence.

The Guardian

His style is comparable to that of a collage artist.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is comparable to Cary Fukunaga's 2009 film Sin Nombre.

The Guardian - Film

Intelligence-gathering in Europe is comparable to the military situation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is comparable" to draw meaningful comparisons between two or more subjects, ensuring the basis of comparison is clear and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "is comparable" when the similarity is superficial or misleading. Ensure that the compared aspects are genuinely alike in a significant way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is comparable" functions as a linking verb connecting a subject with a predicate adjective. It asserts a relationship of similarity between the subject and another entity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is comparable" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote similarity between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. While alternatives like "is similar to" or "is equivalent to" exist, "is comparable" maintains a neutral tone suitable for a range of formal and informal settings. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to clarify relationships and offer insights through meaningful comparisons. The phrase's prevalence and consistent usage in authoritative sources reinforces its validity and utility in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Indicates a general resemblance, without necessarily implying equivalence.

is analogous to

Suggests a more structured comparison based on corresponding features or relationships.

is equivalent to

Implies near-perfect equality or interchangeability.

is on par with

Suggests a matching level of quality or performance.

is akin to

Indicates a resemblance in spirit, character, or quality.

is commensurate with

Implies a proportional relationship or correspondence in measure or degree.

is in the same league as

Suggests being at the same competitive level or category.

bears comparison to

Highlights that a comparison is valid and meaningful.

approximates to

Suggests a close but not exact match.

parallels

Highlights strong similarities or direct correspondences.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "is comparable" in a sentence?

Use "is comparable" to highlight similarities between distinct subjects, clarifying the aspect being compared to ensure relevance and meaningful insight. For instance, "The new model's performance "is similar to" the previous version in terms of battery life".

What are some good alternatives to "is comparable"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "is comparable" include "is similar to", "is analogous to", or "is equivalent to". Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree and nature of the similarity you wish to express.

In what situations should I avoid using "is comparable"?

Avoid using "is comparable" when comparing items that share only trivial similarities, or when the comparison serves no meaningful purpose. Ensure the comparison offers valuable insight or clarification.

What is the difference between "is comparable to" and "is equal to"?

"Is comparable to" implies similarity in some respects, while "is equal to" implies identical value or measure. Use "is equal to" when referring to precise equivalence, and "is comparable to" when indicating a qualified similarity.