of comparable size

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of comparable size" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two things that are approximately the same size. For example, "The elephant and the giraffe were both of comparable size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their simulations involved larger impactors hitting an Earth of comparable size and at comparatively lower speeds.

BBC

Then he compared the density with other hospitals of comparable size.

The New York Times

The study compared Waterford's government to five other towns of comparable size -- Montville, Stonington, Berlin, Bethel and East Lyme.

The New York Times

Compared with the US or Asia, we have no leading IT companies of comparable size.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Greenland also looks of comparable size.

The Guardian

These declines followed gains of comparable size in June.

The New York Times

No other automotive firms of comparable size existed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There's no city of comparable size anywhere in the world that's so remote.

The Guardian

Studies of comparable size and scope are under way in Britain, Denmark and Norway.

The New York Times - Health

"We simply believe that industries of comparable size have utilized artificial intelligence to inform decision-making".

The New York Times - Tech

More languages are spoken in Queens than in any place of comparable size on earth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of comparable size" when you want to indicate that two or more items are nearly the same in dimension, scope, or magnitude.

Common error

Avoid using "of comparable size" when you mean to say that items are exactly the same size. "Comparable" implies a degree of similarity but not perfect equality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of comparable size" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is approximately the same size as something else. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of comparable size" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe items that are similar in dimensions, magnitude, or extent. Its prevalence in diverse contexts such as news, scientific literature, and academic writing underscores its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that you are conveying a sense of approximation rather than exact equality. Remember to consider alternative phrasing for better clarity and suitability in different writing contexts. Examples from Ludwig highlight that the phrase is correct and widely accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

roughly the same size

A more informal and direct way of saying that two things are nearly equal in size.

comparably sized

A more concise, adjectival form indicating similarity in size.

of similar dimensions

Focuses on the dimensions rather than the overall size, implying a match in specific measurements.

of approximate dimensions

Highlights that the measurements are close but not necessarily exact.

of equivalent magnitude

Emphasizes the extent or importance being roughly equal, not just physical size.

of a matching scale

Stresses the matching aspects or correlation between different measurements or sizes.

of a corresponding scale

Highlights that the proportions or ratios are similar, not just the overall size.

on a similar scale

Implies that the overall system or measure is similar, not just the physical size.

of like proportions

Indicates similarity in the relative size of parts within the whole.

of a parallel magnitude

Suggests an equal level of impact or significance, beyond just physical dimensions.

FAQs

How do I use "of comparable size" in a sentence?

You can use "of comparable size" to compare the dimensions, magnitude, or extent of two or more things. For example, "The two buildings were of comparable size", indicating they had similar dimensions.

What is a good alternative to "of comparable size"?

Alternatives include "roughly the same size", "of similar dimensions", or "comparably sized", depending on the context and the degree of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "of a comparable size" or "of comparable size"?

"Of comparable size" is generally preferred because it's more concise and idiomatic. Adding the article "a" is grammatically acceptable but less common.

When is it appropriate to use "of comparable size" versus "of comparable importance"?

Use "of comparable size" when referring to physical dimensions, scope, or extent. Use "of comparable importance" when referring to significance, value, or impact. For example, compare "two plots of land of comparable size" with "two issues of comparable importance".