roughly comparable

USAGE SUMMARY

"roughly comparable" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is similar in general but not exactly the same. For example: "The project cost roughly comparable to what we had originally estimated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Evans et al compared the BJMHS and the EMHS, and found that they had roughly comparable performance [ 17].

BMC Psychiatry

(Appointy and Genbook are two similar services, offering roughly comparable features at roughly comparable prices).

The New York Times

The figures for other States are roughly comparable.

Cornell University

All the leading models offer (roughly) comparable experiences.

The New Yorker

In these cases, the foreign courts I have mentioned have considered roughly comparable questions under roughly comparable legal standards.

Cornell University

The two assessment methods yielded roughly comparable results.

Ecological Indicators

The two are actually of roughly comparable sizes.

The Economist

Insofar as is possible, the duties of the various Teaching Fellows are roughly comparable.

Columbia University

Over time, the earnings streams on bonds and stocks have been roughly comparable.

The New York Times

His numbers are roughly comparable with those of recent two-term Presidents.

The New Yorker

She meant the moneyed Third Arrondissement, whose burnished hipness is roughly comparable to West Village chic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roughly comparable" to indicate a general similarity when precise equivalence is not required or cannot be established. This conveys a sense of approximation and prevents overstating the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly comparable" when you intend to convey that two things are nearly identical. In such cases, use stronger terms like "virtually the same" or "almost identical" to reflect the degree of similarity more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly comparable" functions as a qualifier, modifying an adjective to indicate an approximate level of similarity or equivalence. Ludwig AI shows this is a common way to show things are close but not the same.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roughly comparable" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that two or more things share a general similarity without being exactly the same. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in a variety of contexts. It is particularly common in News & Media, Science, Academia, and Encyclopedias. When using "roughly comparable", ensure you are accurately representing the degree of similarity and not overstating the equivalence. For situations requiring greater precision, consider alternatives such as "nearly equivalent" or "approximately equal". By understanding its proper use and context, you can effectively communicate approximate comparisons in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly equivalent

Indicates a close degree of equivalence, suggesting the items are almost the same.

broadly similar

Emphasizes the overall similarity, focusing on the main aspects rather than exact matches.

approximately equal

Highlights the numerical or quantifiable aspect of the comparison, suggesting values are close.

more or less alike

An informal way of saying things are similar without being identical.

somewhat analogous

Suggests a similarity that draws a parallel, without implying direct equivalence.

comparable to some extent

Highlights that comparability exists but it is not complete or absolute.

in the same ballpark

An idiomatic expression meaning things are within a similar range or order of magnitude.

fairly close

Indicates a moderate degree of proximity or similarity.

not dissimilar

A double negative, implying things are more alike than different.

roughly matching

Suggests that the items correlate to each other in a general way.

FAQs

How can I use "roughly comparable" in a sentence?

You can use "roughly comparable" to show that two or more things are similar, but not exactly the same. For instance, "The cost of the two projects was roughly comparable."

What are some alternatives to "roughly comparable"?

Alternatives to "roughly comparable" include "nearly equivalent", "broadly similar", or "approximately equal". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "roughly comparable" or "exactly comparable"?

"Roughly comparable" implies an approximation, while "exactly comparable" indicates that things are the same in every detail. Choose the phrase that best matches the actual relationship between the items being compared.

What's the difference between "roughly comparable" and "somewhat similar"?

"Roughly comparable" often refers to measurable quantities or qualities that are close in value, whereas "somewhat similar" is a more general term indicating a degree of likeness that may not be quantifiable.