tantamount to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tantamount to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one thing is equivalent to or has the same effect as another. Example: "His refusal to cooperate was tantamount to admitting guilt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's tantamount to bullying.

Independent

It's tantamount to secondary victimisation".

Independent

That might be tantamount to giving up.

The Economist

It's tantamount to Mecca".

The New York Times

The action is tantamount to arrest.

The New York Times

This strikes me as tantamount to piracy".

The New York Times

First was outright liquidation, tantamount to bankruptcy.

The Economist

This is tantamount to blackmail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tantamount to Yeovil beating Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's tantamount to child abuse".

The New York Times

That's not tantamount to calling them names.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tantamount to" to express that something is virtually the same as something else, especially when emphasizing the consequences or implications of an action or situation. For example, "Remaining silent on the issue is tantamount to condoning it."

Common error

While "tantamount to" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "the same as" or "equal to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tantamount to" functions as a predicative adjective, linking a subject to a description of being virtually equivalent to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "His silence was tantamount to agreement."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tantamount to" effectively communicates a strong equivalence between two subjects, emphasizing that they are virtually the same in effect or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, though often leaning towards a more formal tone. When writing, remember to use simpler alternatives such as "equal to" or "the same as" in more informal settings. To emphasize that something is virtually the same as something else, consider use cases in news, science, and formal business. Remember that misusing it might give the wrong impression on how you want to communicate your message. Alternatives like "equivalent to" or "amounts to" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent to

Focuses on direct equivalence in value or effect, slightly more direct than "tantamount to".

equal to

Indicates a precise equality, which can be more rigid than the implied equivalence of "tantamount to".

synonymous with

Suggests interchangeability in meaning, useful when the subjects are abstract concepts.

amounts to

Implies a final result or consequence, fitting when describing actions and their effects.

is the same as

A simpler, more direct way of expressing equivalence, often used in less formal contexts.

is virtually the same as

Emphasizes that the two things are almost identical, with only negligible differences.

bears resemblance to

Highlights similarities without asserting exact equivalence, suitable when the comparison is not precise.

is comparable to

Suggests similarity for the purpose of analysis or understanding, fitting in analytical contexts.

approximates to

Indicates a close but not exact similarity, useful when precision is not required.

is analogous to

Suggests a parallel or correspondence, often used to explain complex concepts by comparing them to simpler ones.

FAQs

What does "tantamount to" mean?

The phrase "tantamount to" means equivalent to or virtually the same as. It is used to describe something that has the same effect or value as something else.

How can I use "tantamount to" in a sentence?

You can use "tantamount to" to show that an action or situation has the same effect as another, often more serious, action. For example, "His refusal to testify was "equal to" admitting guilt."

What are some alternatives to "tantamount to"?

Alternatives to "tantamount to" include "equivalent to", "amounts to", "the same as", and "comparable to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "tantamount to" or "equal to"?

"Tantamount to" and "equal to" can often be used interchangeably, but "tantamount to" carries a slightly more formal tone and implies a strong degree of equivalence, often with significant consequences. "Equal to" is more direct and neutral. Choose based on the desired nuance and formality.