pound for pound

USAGE SUMMARY

"pound for pound" is correct and usable in written English.
"Pound for pound" is an idiomatic expression that means "when comparing the relative strengths or values of two things of equal weight," and can be used in the context of making comparisons and drawing conclusions based on those comparisons. For example: " pound for pound, the boxer was the strongest fighter in the ring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Pound for pound, the hardest-fighting fish there is.

The New Yorker

"Pound for pound, the bull is the most aggressive.

The New York Times - Science

Tatum could match a Riggins almost pound for pound.

The New York Times - Sports

Once you reach pound for pound, you already proved everything".

The New York Times - Sports

"Pound for pound, I'm the most successful hunter I know".

The New Yorker

But along the flip side of that, pound for pound, they don't get their due.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Pound-for-pound is sort of political.

The Guardian - Sport

(Side note: "Pound-for-pound collagen is stronger than steel").

The New Yorker

Probably the pound-for-pound king, whatever that means.

Independent

Quite possibly the strongest WWE superstar, pound-for-pound.

Independent

I put myself in the top pound-for-pound list.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pound for pound" when you want to emphasize the surprising strength, value, or effectiveness of something relative to its size or cost.

Common error

Avoid using "pound for pound" when a simple comparison without considering size or weight is more appropriate; otherwise, it may sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pound for pound" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding a comparative aspect to a statement. It indicates that a comparison is being made by considering the size or weight of the subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pound for pound" is a common idiom used to express a comparison of value or strength relative to size or weight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's particularly useful when highlighting the surprising effectiveness or value of something small or inexpensive. Be mindful of the context to ensure it's appropriate, as using it when a simple comparison suffices may sound awkward. Common alternatives include "weight for weight" and "size for size". Its frequency is common, with the highest occurrence in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weight for weight

Emphasizes a direct comparison based on weight, similar to the original phrase but less idiomatic.

size for size

Shifts the comparison to size instead of weight, suitable when weight is not the primary factor.

in proportion

Focuses on maintaining correct or ideal relationships between elements.

relative to its size

More formal phrasing that clarifies that the comparison is adjusted for size differences.

considering its weight

Directly relates a characteristic to the weight of something, providing a straightforward comparison.

on a per-unit basis

Applies when comparing costs or performance per single item or unit of measure.

apples to apples

An idiom indicating a fair comparison between similar items.

of equal measure

Highlights that the comparison involves items that are balanced or equivalent in some way.

by comparison

A more general term that can introduce any kind of comparison, including those adjusted for size or weight.

adjusted for scale

Indicates that the comparison has been modified to account for differences in scale or size.

FAQs

How can I use "pound for pound" in a sentence?

You can use "pound for pound" to compare the relative strength or value of two things, like: "That small car is surprisingly fuel-efficient; it's the best value "dollar for dollar"."

What does "pound for pound" mean in boxing?

In boxing, "pound for pound" is used to rank boxers irrespective of their weight class, based on their skill and accomplishments relative to their size.

Is "pound for pound" always about physical strength?

No, "pound for pound" can also be used to describe value, efficiency, or any other attribute where you're comparing performance relative to size or investment. For example, "pound for pound, lentils provide excellent nutrition /s/nutritional+value".

What are some alternatives to "pound for pound"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "weight for weight", "size for size", or "relative to its size".