it is tantamount to a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is tantamount to a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is equivalent to or has the same effect as something else. Example: "His refusal to cooperate is tantamount to a declaration of war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is tantamount to a complete personality transplant for the infected cell.About a third of CroV's genes are similar to Mimivirus genes, suggesting they share a distant ancestor.

The Economist

It is tantamount to a criminal act for the networks to show "Wheel of Fortune" and "Everybody Loves Raymond" while our national debate is in process.

The New York Times - Arts

It is tantamount to a top restaurant learning that their new task is going to be – in addition to serving splendid food in a smart environment – teaching people to cook at home.

Independent

Across the board lower commodity prices will knock another 0.4 percentage points off global inflation in coming months, according to J.P. Morgan.This poses problems for various oil exporters (see article) but for oil importers it is tantamount to a gigantic tax cut.

The Economist

Roberts, who was joined in the suit by the St . Louisbranch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, contended that computerized voting is such a relatively complex process that it is tantamount to a literacy test, and literacy tests have been prohibited by federal law as an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote.

The New Yorker

"It is tantamount to a tax on the poor; though we do have a grave budget that we need to cover, covering it on the backs of poor and working-class families is not the right thing to do," said State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, a Democrat who represents parts of Boston.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is tantamount to an implicit stake on the wealthiest alumni's income.

The New York Times

"It is tantamount to an assassination of the democratic process," said Haidar al-Mulla, a winning candidate from Mr. Allawi's alliance, known as Iraqiya.

The New York Times

The scans provide an image of the naked body, and critics are arguing that it is tantamount to an invasive strip-search.

The New York Times

While hornets infest its mountainous rural areas every year – 36 residents were stung to death between 2002 and 2005 – local people and municipal officials say this year it is tantamount to an epidemic, the worst they have ever seen.

The Guardian

"Impeachment as I understand it is tantamount to an indictment," O'Rourke said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to suggest equivalence between two actions or concepts, using this phrase provides a formal and emphatic tone, highlighting that the outcome or impact of both is substantially similar. Avoid using it in casual or informal contexts.

Common error

While "it is tantamount to a" is grammatically correct, its formality can seem out of place in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more direct phrases like "it's like a" or "it's the same as a" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is tantamount to a" functions as a predicative expression, equating one thing or action with another by asserting their near-equivalence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is tantamount to a" is a grammatically sound and emphatic expression used to equate two things, highlighting their similar impact or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts. While typically found in news and media sources, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain a natural tone and prevent overuse. Remember to consider alternatives like "it is equivalent to a" or "it amounts to a" depending on your desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is equivalent to a

Replaces 'tantamount' with 'equivalent', offering a more direct synonym.

it amounts to a

Uses 'amounts to' instead of 'tantamount to', suggesting a calculated result or outcome.

it is equal to a

Expresses a direct equality, simplifying the original phrase.

it is synonymous with a

Highlights the interchangeable nature of the concepts being compared.

it is on par with a

Indicates a level of similarity or equivalence in quality or status.

it is comparable to a

Suggests that the two things are similar enough to be compared.

it is akin to a

Implies a resemblance or similarity, often used in a more formal context.

it is virtually a

Emphasizes that something is almost the same as something else in effect or result.

it is effectively a

Focuses on the practical consequence or effect of something.

it constitutes a

Indicates that something forms or composes something else, often in a legal or formal context.

FAQs

What does "it is tantamount to a" mean?

The phrase "it is tantamount to a" means that something is virtually equivalent to or has the same effect as something else. It implies a significant degree of similarity or consequence.

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

You can use "it is tantamount to a" to equate two things or actions, emphasizing their similar effect. For example, "His silence on the matter is tantamount to a confession."

What are some alternatives to "it is tantamount to a"?

Some alternatives include "it is equivalent to a", "it amounts to a", or "it is equal to a", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

Is "it is tantamount to a" formal or informal?

"It is tantamount to a" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, alternatives like "it's like a" or "it's the same as a" may be more appropriate.