is tantamount to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is tantamount to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are comparing two things that are essentially the same thing or demonstrate an equivalent value. For example, "The amount of time and effort I put into this project is tantamount to a full-time job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The action is tantamount to arrest.

The New York Times

This is tantamount to blackmail.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is tantamount to a life sentence.

The New York Times

"The mobilisation order is tantamount to dictatorship.

The Guardian - Business

It is tantamount to stealing his soul.

The New York Times - Books

These days, not chewing is tantamount to admitting abject poverty.

The Economist

Visiting now is tantamount to condoning the regime".

The New York Times

Leaving an empty coffee pot is tantamount to treason.

The New York Times

Preserving one's aberu is tantamount to maintaining one's dignity.

The New York Times

Playing the Steelers is tantamount to a street fight.

The New York Times

Reducing cohort size is tantamount to reducing accessibility.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is tantamount to" when you want to emphasize that two actions, states, or conditions are practically equivalent in their effect or consequence. It adds a sense of gravity to the comparison.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "is tantamount to" in very informal conversations may sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider using simpler alternatives like "is the same as" or "is like" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is tantamount to" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to a predicate adjective, asserting a relationship of equivalence or near-equivalence. It's used to equate two seemingly different things, emphasizing that they have virtually the same effect or consequence, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is tantamount to" is a formal expression used to assert that two things are essentially equivalent in effect or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly pretentious. Alternatives such as "is equivalent to" or "is the same as" may be more appropriate in casual conversations. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase effectively elevates the gravity of a statement by associating it with something already recognized as important or severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equivalent to

Emphasizes direct equivalence in value or measure.

is virtually the same as

Emphasizes that the difference is so small it can be disregarded.

is the same as

Highlights identical nature or effect, focusing on sameness.

is equal to

Stresses mathematical or precise equality.

amounts to

Focuses on the resulting effect or consequence being similar.

carries the same weight as

Highlights the similar influence, authority, or importance of something.

is analogous to

Suggests a similarity based on analogy or comparison, not direct equivalence.

is comparable to

Highlights the similarity for the purpose of comparison.

is on par with

Indicates a level of equality in terms of quality or status.

bears a resemblance to

Indicates a similarity in appearance, character, or nature, but may not be equivalent in effect.

FAQs

What does "is tantamount to" mean?

The phrase "is tantamount to" means that something is virtually the same as, or equivalent to, something else in terms of its effect or significance.

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

You can use "is tantamount to" to equate two things that have a similar or identical effect. For example, "For many, not having access to clean water "is tantamount to" a death sentence."

What are some alternatives to "is tantamount to"?

Some alternatives to "is tantamount to" include "is equivalent to", "is the same as", or "amounts to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "is tantamount to" formal or informal?

"Is tantamount to" is generally considered a formal expression. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate in informal settings.