is not in the same league as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not in the same league as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things, indicating that one is of a significantly lower quality or status than the other. Example: "While both movies were popular, the sequel is not in the same league as the original classic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

The Guardian - Lifestyle

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

The Guardian

Kapuściński's writing is not in the same league as that of the German academic and writer.

The Guardian - Opinion

But "Capital" is not in the same league as "Margin Call" or "Arbitrage".

The New York Times

While it is not in the same league as story-intensive games like The Longest Jousf ney or Final Fantasy X, it doesn't have to be.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"I'll Be Damned," directed by April Nickell, isn't in the same league as those shows.

The New York Times

— BEN ROTHENBERG Mitchell isn't in the same league as Ponor and Raisman, and it showed.

The New York Times

While accomplished, La Fanciulla isn't in the same league as Bohème, Tosca and Butterfly.

Independent

Osama bin Laden is no Hitler, and Islamism isn't in the same league as the last century's totalitarianisms.

The New York Times

He isn't in the same league as Zidane.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not in the same league as" to clearly express a significant difference in quality, ability, or status between two subjects. Ensure the context makes the comparison relevant and understandable for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is not in the same league as" in overly casual or informal settings where a more nuanced or subtle comparison might be appropriate. This phrase can sometimes come across as harsh or dismissive, so consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not in the same league as" functions as a comparative expression, used to indicate that two subjects being compared differ significantly in quality, status, or ability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not in the same league as" is a common comparative expression used to denote a significant difference in quality, ability, or status between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely employed, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience to avoid unintended harshness. Semantically related alternatives include "is not comparable to", "is far superior to", and "cannot hold a candle to". Use this phrase judiciously to effectively communicate distinctions while maintaining an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not comparable to

Focuses on the lack of a fair comparison due to significant differences.

is not in the same class as

Indicates a difference in rank or category.

is on a different level than

Indicates a difference in skill, quality, or status.

is far superior to

Highlights a large difference in quality, favoring one subject.

does not measure up to

Suggests that one subject fails to meet the standard set by another.

cannot hold a candle to

Emphasizes the inadequacy of one subject compared to another.

is second-rate compared to

Explicitly labels one subject as inferior to the other.

is a world apart from

Highlights a significant disparity or distance between two subjects.

is light years ahead of

Implies a substantial lead or advancement of one subject over another.

is streets ahead of

Suggests one subject is significantly more advanced or skilled.

FAQs

How can I use "is not in the same league as" in a sentence?

Use "is not in the same league as" to compare two entities, highlighting that one is significantly superior or inferior to the other. For example, "While both players are talented, the rookie "is not in the same league as" the seasoned veteran".

What are some alternatives to "is not in the same league as"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is not comparable to", "is far superior to", or "cannot hold a candle to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "is not in the same league as" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when making a clear and direct comparison is necessary. However, be mindful of the tone, as it can sound somewhat critical. Alternatives like "is not on the same level as" might be more suitable in certain formal contexts.

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

It means that there is a substantial difference in quality, ability, or status between the two things being compared. It implies that one is significantly better or more accomplished than the other. You can also express this with phrases like "does not measure up to".