is proportionate to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is proportionate to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe the relationship between two things, indicating that they are related in size, amount, or degree. Example: The amount of time spent studying should be proportionate to the difficulty of the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In our submission that is enough, that is proportionate to what they did.

The Guardian

The area within each dashed circle is proportionate to required expenditures (X).

Harvard Business Review

Maybe the (3:1 male/female ratio) is proportionate to what it is in the industry".

Independent

The complex's sheer size is proportionate to the challenges that China's film industry seeks to overcome.

The Guardian - Film

In general, the severity of the punishment is proportionate to the seriousness of the crime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They remain within a range that is proportionate to running a media organisation of this size.

The Guardian

As Mr. Bernstein explains, "the fall in consumer spending is proportionate to the decline in G.D.P".

The New York Times

Many people also think that the difficulty of making fruitcake is proportionate to its density.

The New York Times - Food

For the superiority of class over class is proportionate to the superiority possessed by their largest specimens.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The number of superior voting shares a shareholder receives is proportionate to her shareholding at the time of payment.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Only when people see that our support is proportionate to the size of the problem will they want to join us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the context when using the phrase. In formal or scientific writing, the phrase is appropriate, while in informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "related to" or "depends on" may be more suitable.

Common error

A common mistake is assuming a direct, linear relationship when using "is proportionate to". Be mindful that the relationship might be more complex, such as exponential or logarithmic. Always clarify the specific nature of the proportionality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is proportionate to" serves as a relational expression, indicating that two quantities or qualities vary together in a predictable manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a scaling relationship where changes in one entity correspond to changes in another. For example, "The increase in price is proportionate to demand."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is proportionate to" is a versatile expression used to describe a direct relationship between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. The frequency analysis reveals that it's most common in scientific and news-related content, highlighting its utility in describing relationships and dependencies between variables. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship is clearly defined, avoiding assumptions of linearity when the connection may be more intricate. Remember, while alternatives like "is commensurate with" or "corresponds to" exist, the specific context should guide your choice to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is commensurate with

This phrase implies a direct equivalence or correspondence, often used in formal contexts.

is in proportion to

This alternative maintains a very similar meaning while offering a slight variation in word choice.

corresponds to

This term denotes a relationship of similarity or analogy, often in a less precise or mathematical sense.

is relative to

Suggests that something is being considered in relation to something else, influencing its value or significance.

is comparable to

Highlights the similarity between two things, enabling them to be evaluated side by side.

aligns with

Implies a relationship of agreement or harmony, especially in terms of purpose or direction.

is equitable to

Highlights the fairness and justice, especially in distributing resources or opportunities.

is adapted to

Focuses on how something is modified to suit particular conditions or requirements.

is dependent on

Shows that one thing relies on another to exist, happen, or be true.

is contingent upon

Specifies that something can only occur if certain conditions are met.

FAQs

How can I use "is proportionate to" in a sentence?

Use "is proportionate to" to show a relationship in size, amount, or degree between two things. For example, "The severity of the punishment is proportionate to the seriousness of the crime."

What phrases can I use instead of "is proportionate to"?

You can use alternatives like "is commensurate with", "is in proportion to", or "corresponds to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is in proportion to" instead of "is proportionate to"?

Yes, "is in proportion to" is a valid alternative and carries a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "is proportionate to" and "is equal to"?

"Is proportionate to" indicates a scaling relationship, meaning one value changes in relation to another, while "is equal to" implies that two values are exactly the same.