to match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to match" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making something correspond or be similar to something else. Example: "We need to find a color to match the existing paint in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And: to match, or not to match?

The New York Times

investments to match theirs.

The New Yorker

It deserves words to match.

The New York Times - Books

"They're not supposed to match".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We wanted to match them".

Independent

"It's pretty hard to match that".

The New York Times - Sports

Calories in have to match calories out".

Independent

There are $310 jeans to match.

The New York Times

The roommates decided to match that offer.

The New York Times

The two prints appeared to match exactly.

The New Yorker

We ought to cook to match.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to match", ensure the context clearly specifies what elements are being compared or made similar.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "to match". It is better to say "to match something" rather than "to match with something".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to match" functions as an infinitive, often used to express purpose, intention, or the action of making things similar or compatible. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

30%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to match" is a versatile infinitive used to convey the idea of correspondence, equivalence, or suitability. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and prevalent in diverse contexts, ranging from formal news articles to informal wikis. When employing "to match", it's essential to ensure clarity regarding the elements being compared. Keep in mind that while "to match with" is sometimes used, "to match" is generally more concise and preferred. Its widespread applicability and straightforward meaning make it a valuable asset in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to correspond with

Implies a direct relationship or similarity between two things.

to be similar to

Indicates a resemblance or likeness without necessarily being identical.

to align with

Implies bringing something into agreement or conformity with something else.

to be equal to

Suggests an equivalent value, amount, or degree.

to be in agreement with

Highlights the consensus or concurrence between two or more things.

to harmonize with

Focuses on creating an aesthetically pleasing or balanced combination.

to coordinate with

Emphasizes the organization and arrangement of elements for a unified effect.

to complement

Refers to enhancing or improving something else, often through contrast.

to measure up to

Suggests meeting a certain standard or expectation.

to be on par with

Indicates that something is at the same level or quality as something else.

FAQs

How do you use "to match" in a sentence?

You can use "to match" in a sentence to indicate agreement, correspondence, or suitability. For instance, "The curtains are designed "to match the sofa"" or "His skills need "to match the job requirements"".

What are some synonyms for "to match"?

Some synonyms for "to match" include "to correspond", "to align", "to coordinate", and "to harmonize" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "to match with" instead of "to match"?

While "to match with" is sometimes used, it's generally more concise and grammatically preferred to simply use "to match". The preposition "with" is often redundant in this context.

What does it mean when something is described as "a match"?

When something is described as "a match", it means it is suitable, compatible, or equivalent. For example, "They are a good match" suggests compatibility, or "This paint is a match" indicates equivalence in color.