is comparable to a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is comparable to a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when drawing a comparison between two things, indicating that they share similar qualities or characteristics. Example: "The new smartphone's camera quality is comparable to a professional DSLR."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is comparable to a Duffing-Oscillator.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

A UML model is comparable to a schema, or ontology.

Stanford University

The technology is comparable to a CT scan.

University of California, Berkeley

A juniper "berry" is comparable to a complete pine cone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The board is comparable to a corporate board of directors.

The New York Times

To Bloomberg, spending $500,000 is comparable to a measly millionaire shelling out a mere $100.

The New York Times

A successfully completed project is comparable to a value-creating agreement supported by a sustainable coalition.

Harvard University

But a wide search is comparable to a trip out into open seas.

The New York Times

— The Cornell men's lacrosse team is comparable to a family station wagon.

The New York Times - Sports

The training in the undergraduate major is comparable to a masters degree in statistics.

Columbia University

At a diameter of a mile, the geodesic sphere is comparable to a giant balloon.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is comparable to a" to highlight similarities and provide context for understanding something new or complex. Ensure the comparison is relevant and adds clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "is comparable to a" when the similarity is weak or misleading. Exaggerated comparisons can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is comparable to a" serves as a comparative connector, establishing a relationship of similarity or likeness between two entities. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples where the phrase bridges a known concept with a potentially unfamiliar one to enhance understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Academia

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is comparable to a" is a versatile tool for establishing similarities between different subjects, enhancing understanding through relatable comparisons. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, notably in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is relevant and clear to avoid misleading readers. While "is similar to a" and other alternatives exist, "is comparable to a" offers a strong and widely accepted way to draw parallels effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to a

Focuses on shared characteristics but may imply a lesser degree of equivalence.

is equivalent to a

Suggests a one-to-one correspondence or equal value.

is analogous to a

Highlights a parallel relationship, often used to explain complex concepts.

is akin to a

A more formal way of saying something is similar or related to something else.

is on par with a

Indicates that something is of equal quality or status.

is like a

A more informal way to draw a comparison, suitable for casual contexts.

is commensurate with a

Implies a proportional or corresponding relationship.

resembles a

Emphasizes visual or superficial similarities.

bears comparison to a

Suggests that a meaningful comparison can be made, inviting further analysis.

mirrors a

Implies a close resemblance or reflection of something else.

FAQs

How do I use "is comparable to a" in a sentence?

Use "is comparable to a" to draw a comparison between two things that share similar qualities. For example: "The new model's performance is comparable to a sports car".

What can I say instead of "is comparable to a"?

You can use alternatives like "is similar to a", "is like a", or "resembles a" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is comparable to a" or "is comparable with a"?

"Is comparable to a" is generally preferred. "Comparable with" is also acceptable but less common. The choice depends on context, but "is comparable to a" is usually clearer.

What's the difference between "is comparable to a" and "is equivalent to a"?

"Is comparable to a" implies similarities but not necessarily exact equivalence. "Is equivalent to a" suggests a direct, one-to-one correspondence or equal value.