on the same order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on the same order' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which two or more things are in the same class, but the exact details are not important. For example, you could say "The number of people at each event varied, but they were all on the same order of magnitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"On the same order of magnitude as Hiroshima," Frank replied.

The Guardian

It's slightly longer, but on the same order as the invariant object recognitions.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The compressive modulus obtained is on the same order of magnitude for both materials.

Procedia CIRP

I think it's on the same order of magnitude as the amount of carbon that's currently in the atmosphere.

Nature

Each of these values was on the same order of magnitude between HAp-coated AZ31 and pure Mg.

Surface and Coatings Technology

The exploitable resources in the former Soviet Union are probably on the same order of magnitude as those in Saudi Arabia and Iraq".

The New Yorker

The saving of time that it offers is not on the same order of magnitude as the increase in annoyance, hazard & expense.

The New Yorker

But if by next summer they're producing new cadres that are on the same order of quality, then we're in deep trouble".

The New York Times

Degradation rates were observed to be on the same order of magnitude as those reported for less stable, aqueous suspensions of nZVI.

Journal of Hazardous Materials

Simple phase LBM-modelled permeabilities are on the same order of magnitude as gas permeabilities measured on centimetric plugs with Klinkenberg correction.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The fifth group has features with sizes on the same order as the incident wavelength.

Analytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the same order" when you want to convey that two quantities or values are approximately equal, without needing to specify the exact numbers. For example, "The budget for both projects was on the same order, around $1 million."

Common error

Avoid using "on the same order" when you mean to express exact equality. This phrase indicates approximate similarity, not precise equivalence. If precise equality is what you intend to express, it's more precise to use words like "equal", "identical", or "the same".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the same order" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjective or adverbial modifier. It indicates that two or more quantities, values, or concepts are approximately equal in magnitude or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

31%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the same order" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey that two or more things are approximately equal in magnitude or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and academic writing. The phrase serves to communicate a general sense of scale or magnitude without needing precise numerical comparison. When using "on the same order", avoid misusing it to imply exact equivalency, and be sure that it indicates approximate similarity. Related phrases, such as "of similar magnitude" or "in the same ballpark", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. By understanding its function and typical contexts, writers can effectively use "on the same order" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of similar magnitude

Focuses specifically on the size or quantity being comparable.

of comparable size

Emphasizes the dimension or extent being approximately equal.

in the same ballpark

An informal way to indicate approximate similarity, often in numerical terms.

roughly equivalent

Highlights the approximate equality in value or effect.

in the same class

Indicates that items belong to the same grouping or category.

on a similar scale

Focuses on the proportional relationship or extent being alike.

of a piece

Suggests that items are consistent or harmonious with each other.

along the same lines

Indicates a similarity in approach or direction.

more or less equal

Highlights the approximate equality while acknowledging minor differences.

akin to

Implies a resemblance or similarity in nature or character.

FAQs

How can I use "on the same order" in a sentence?

You can use "on the same order" to indicate that two or more things are of approximately the same magnitude or significance. For example, "The expenses for marketing and research were "on the same order"."

What's a more formal alternative to "on the same order"?

Formal alternatives include "of similar magnitude", "comparable in scale", or "approximately equivalent". These options offer a more precise and professional tone.

Is it correct to say "in the same order" instead of "on the same order"?

While "in the same order" is grammatically correct, it has a different meaning. It usually refers to sequence or arrangement, not magnitude. Therefore, "on the same order" is the correct phrase to use when discussing approximate size or quantity.

What's the difference between "on the same order" and "identical"?

"On the same order" implies approximation, while "identical" means exactly the same. If two values are "identical", they are the same in every respect. If they are "on the same order", they are roughly similar in size or scale.