of comparable magnitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"of comparable magnitude" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two things in terms of size or importance. For example, "The impact of this new decision is of comparable magnitude to the effects of the last one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Give other examples of earthquakes of comparable magnitude.

The New York Times

Comparison of the hydraulic force with other diastolic mechanisms, such as restoring forces, indicates that they are of comparable magnitude.

Nature

Response of the structures to these two types of dynamic loading can be of comparable magnitude.

Procedia Engineering

The December ice extent in 2011 and 2012 was much larger than the long-term mean, and the ice in 2013 has obviously been of comparable magnitude.

The Guardian

The actors and the craftsmen admire him, loathe him, and know that they couldn't have theatrical careers of comparable magnitude without him — all New York awaits the opening.

The New Yorker

Diffusion rates of pure water and water/acetone mixture were much smaller and of comparable magnitude.

Polymer

Interestingly, the average Nusselt number gets maximized at two axial distances-the two peaks can be of comparable magnitude.

International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer

This is specially true when the strength of both surface and in-canopy sources are of comparable magnitude.

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

The only previous occasion on which the band faced a crisis of comparable magnitude was in 1980, when the lead singer Bon Scott died, at the age of thirty-three.

The New Yorker

Variations of comparable magnitude are predicted by detailed kinetic modeling of the same flame using a published mechanism.

Combustion and Flame

"If race was the problem of the 20th century," Lewis writes, "after this first encounter with the Soviet Union he also began to regard class as a dilemma of comparable magnitude".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of comparable magnitude" to clearly convey that two or more items are similar in size, extent, or importance. Ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "of comparable magnitude" when the items being compared are qualitatively different and cannot be measured on the same scale. Ensure that the comparison is valid and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of comparable magnitude" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It's used to describe the degree or extent to which two or more things are similar. Ludwig's examples show its use in comparing sizes, impacts, and effects across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of comparable magnitude" is a versatile tool for expressing similarity in size, impact, or extent. It is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a prepositional phrase, adding descriptive depth to comparisons. When using this phrase, ensure that the items being compared are qualitatively similar and measurable on a common scale. While several alternatives exist, such as "of similar size" or "equivalent in scale", the precise choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. The consistent and authoritative sourcing of examples in Ludwig underscores the phrase's reliability and formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent in scale

Replaces "magnitude" with "scale", underscoring the relative size or scope of something.

of similar size

Focuses specifically on physical dimensions, removing the abstract notion of "magnitude".

on par with

This idiom suggests a state of equality or equivalence, simplifying the formal tone.

of equal proportion

Highlights the balance and ratio between two elements, implying similarity in extent.

roughly the same order

Suggests an approximate similarity in quantity or value, adding a margin of error.

of like extent

Uses "extent" to denote scope or range, providing a formal alternative to "magnitude".

nearly identical impact

Shifts the focus to the effect or consequence, rather than the inherent magnitude.

of corresponding degree

Emphasizes the level or intensity of something, rather than its overall magnitude.

almost the same level

Highlights the position or rank on a hierarchical structure rather than magnitude.

virtually identical strength

Specifies "strength" as the attribute being compared, implying force or power.

FAQs

How can I use "of comparable magnitude" in a sentence?

You can use "of comparable magnitude" to compare the size, impact, or extent of two or more things. For example, "The earthquake's devastation was "of comparable magnitude" to the tsunami that occurred a decade earlier".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "of comparable magnitude"?

Some alternatives include "of similar size", "of equal proportion", or "equivalent in scale". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "of comparable magnitude" formal or informal?

"Of comparable magnitude" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, or news-related contexts. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings.

What's the difference between "of comparable magnitude" and "of equal magnitude"?

"Of equal magnitude" implies that two things are exactly the same in size or impact, while ""of comparable magnitude"" suggests they are similar but not necessarily identical. The latter allows for a slight degree of variation.