it was tantamount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was tantamount" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is equivalent in value, significance, or effect to something else. Example: "His refusal to apologize was tantamount to admitting guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

At one time in November he chose and respected a Madrid safety zone, but the Government said it was impossible to move the whole civilian population into a few streets; when the International Red Cross suggested a neutral zone in Madrid the Government reply was that "it was tantamount to admitting that the bombardment of the remainder of the civil population was a legal act".

The Guardian

But for Goodyear, which has suffered recalls of its own, it was tantamount to ripping the gloves off.

The New York Times

It was tantamount to being a beggar".

The Guardian - Music

He said it was "tantamount to Holocaust denial".

The Guardian - Opinion

Another concluded that it was "tantamount to pouring salt on an open wound".

The New York Times

SOME people would say it was tantamount to foxes asking to be consulted about the welfare of chickens.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

It is tantamount to the United States abandoning its pledge to help halve world hunger by 2015.

The New York Times

"If abused, it is tantamount to granting the agency and its employees absolute immunity from suit, even where their activities are illegal and or discriminatory.

The New York Times

It's tantamount to bullying.

Independent

It's tantamount to secondary victimisation".

Independent

It's tantamount to Mecca".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was tantamount" to convey a strong sense of equivalence or near-equivalence between two things, often with significant implications.

Common error

Avoid using "it was tantamount" if the comparison is a stretch or an exaggeration. Ensure the two elements being compared have a genuine and significant degree of equivalence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was tantamount" serves as a linking verb phrase, functioning to equate a subject with a particular condition or consequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a strong degree of equivalence. For example, 'His silence "it was tantamount to" an admission of guilt'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In essence, the phrase "it was tantamount" is a powerful tool for expressing near-equivalence between two distinct entities, emphasizing a comparable outcome or effect. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase brings a level of gravity and significance, often implying a serious judgment or strong comparison. While "it was tantamount" is widely accepted, writers should carefully assess the true degree of equivalence to prevent overstatement. Using synonyms like ""it was equivalent to"" may better serve a writer's intention in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was equivalent to

Replaces "tantamount" with "equivalent", indicating a direct correspondence or equality.

it was the same as

Uses a more basic phrasing to convey equivalence.

it amounted to

Focuses on the result or consequence being similar.

it constituted

Emphasizes that something fulfills the requirements of something else.

it was akin to

Suggests a similarity or resemblance, but not necessarily exact equivalence.

it was comparable to

Highlights that something has enough qualities in common to be worth comparing.

it signified

Implies that something was a sign or indication of something else.

it suggested

Similar to 'signified' but less direct; implies a hint or indirect indication.

it implied

Indicates that something was communicated indirectly, rather than stated explicitly.

it represented

Indicates that something stood in place of or symbolized something else.

FAQs

What does "it was tantamount" mean?

The phrase "it was tantamount" means that something is virtually equivalent or practically the same as something else. It suggests a strong degree of equivalence in effect or consequence.

How can I use "it was tantamount" in a sentence?

You can use "it was tantamount" to emphasize a strong similarity or equivalence between two actions, situations, or ideas. For example, "His silence on the matter "it was tantamount to" an admission of guilt."

What can I say instead of "it was tantamount to"?

You can use alternatives like "it was equivalent to", "it amounted to", or "it was the same as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it is tantamount" instead of "it was tantamount"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. Use "it is tantamount" for present or general situations, and "it was tantamount" for past situations. For example, "His behavior is tantamount to insubordination" versus "His behavior "it was tantamount to" insubordination".