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Meaning & use

by the same token

phrase·Advancedformal

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UK/baɪ ðə seɪm ˈtəʊkən/
US/baɪ ðə seɪm ˈtoʊkən/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseformal

    Used to introduce a point that follows from the same reasoning as the one just made, often pointing to the opposite side of it.

    Grammar: Starts a new clause, usually followed by a comma: by the same token, we should also listen.

    Patterns

    • By the same token, + clause

    If we expect employees to be on time, by the same token, managers should start meetings on time.

    You can't praise a team for its wins and, by the same token, ignore its losses.

    Customers must pay on time; by the same token, the company must deliver on time.

  2. phrasefixed phraseformal

    For the same reason, or in the same way.

    Grammar: Works as a linking phrase between sentences.

    Patterns

    • By the same token, + clause

    She wanted her privacy respected; by the same token, she respected her neighbors'.

    A low price attracts buyers, and by the same token it can suggest poor quality.

Common combinations

by the same token, we
By the same token, we should not blame the whole team.
and by the same token
He is generous, and by the same token, he expects loyalty.
but by the same token
The plan is cheap, but by the same token, it is risky.
by the same token, it
By the same token, it would be wrong to ignore the data.

Synonyms and how they differ

likewise
Likewise is shorter and simply means in the same way, while by the same token signals that the same reasoning leads to the new point.
similarly
Similarly points to a comparison, and by the same token points to a conclusion drawn from the same logic.
by the same logic
This is a plainer way to say it, and it is a little less formal.
in the same way
This is more general and does not suggest that the new point balances the earlier one.

Opposites

on the other hand

Word family

token noun
a sign, symbol or small piece used as proof or a substitute
tokenism noun
making only a small gesture to appear fair
tokenistic adjective
done only for show

Commonly confused: by the same token or as a token of?

by the same token vs as a token of

As a token of means as a sign of something, such as thanks. It is unrelated to the linking phrase.

Practice

We expect our customers to be polite. ___, we should treat them with respect.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “by the same token”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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