match it with

USAGE SUMMARY

"match it with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used when suggesting an item or idea is comparable with or similar to another item or idea. For example: "This pattern of squares is complicated - try to match it with a design of circles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use the golden rule: match it with its monster.

WikiHow

I'd match it with braised short ribs and roast turkey.

The New York Times

"You have to match it with three-dimensional marketing".

The New York Times

Universities will have to match it with private money.

The Guardian

Their challenge is to match it with a super offense.

The New York Times - Sports

If you are wearing a patterned shirt, match it with a plain knitted silk tie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For every $2,000 those workers saved, the government would match it with $1,000.

The New York Times

You have to find rhymed verse, then match it with a melody.

The New York Times - Magazine

Young sommeliers match it with fish, shellfish, fowl, white meats and salads.

The New York Times

One wondered how they could match it with their next film.

The Guardian - Film

"Once we have that genetic map, we can match it with the park map".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "match it with" in writing, ensure the relationship between the items being matched is clear and logical. For example, when describing fashion, specify how a particular item complements another.

Common error

Avoid using "match it with" when the items being compared are not logically comparable. For example, don't say "match honesty with the sky" unless you're using metaphorical language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "match it with" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, suggesting a relationship between two items where one complements or corresponds with the other. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

60%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "match it with" is a versatile and grammatically correct prepositional verb phrase used to suggest complementary pairings or harmonious combinations. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate across a range of contexts, but is especially common in news and media, as well as on wikis. To ensure clarity and effectiveness, make the relationship between the items being matched clear and avoid using the phrase in illogical comparisons. Remember to consider alternatives like "pair it with" or "coordinate it with" to fine-tune your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair it with

Focuses specifically on creating a pair or set, implying a complementary relationship.

coordinate it with

Emphasizes creating a harmonious or aesthetically pleasing combination.

combine it with

Highlights the act of bringing two or more things together.

align it with

Stresses the importance of making something correspond or be in harmony with something else.

harmonize it with

Implies creating a pleasing or balanced combination.

correspond it with

Focuses on establishing a direct relationship or similarity between two things.

integrate it with

Emphasizes incorporating something into a larger system or whole.

correlate it with

Highlights a statistical or causal relationship between two things.

relate it to

Focuses on establishing a connection or association between two things.

associate it with

Implies a connection or link in one's mind between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "match it with" in a sentence?

You can use "match it with" to suggest pairing or combining items, such as "Match the patterned shirt with a plain tie" or "Match the color scheme with the room's theme".

What are some alternatives to saying "match it with"?

Alternatives include "pair it with", "coordinate it with", or "combine it with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what you are matching something with?

While not always grammatically required, explicitly stating what you are matching something with provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Match it!", say "Match it with the curtains!".

What's the difference between "match it with" and "compare it to"?

"Match it with" suggests finding a complementary pairing, while "compare it to" suggests examining similarities and differences between two things. The first seeks a fitting combination, and the second is analytical.