like for like

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasebusiness

   Used to describe a comparison between two things that are similar in every important way, so the comparison is fair.

   Grammar: Often used before a noun with hyphens: like-for-like comparison. Also used after a verb: compare like for like.

   Patterns

   • like-for-like comparison
   • compare like for like
   • on a like-for-like basis

   The company reported a 5% increase in like-for-like sales, excluding new stores.

   To judge performance fairly, we need a like-for-like comparison of the two departments.

   When comparing prices, make sure it's like for like: same size, same quality.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   In a way that gives the same treatment or value in return; equivalent exchange.

   Grammar: Used to talk about fairness or retaliation: an eye for an eye is like for like.

   Patterns

   • like for like
   • give like for like

   He believes in like for like: if someone helps him, he helps them back.

   The two countries agreed to trade like for like, removing the same tariffs on each other's goods.

Common combinations

like-for-like sales

The retailer's like-for-like sales grew by 3% last quarter.

like-for-like comparison

A like-for-like comparison shows that our costs are actually lower.

on a like-for-like basis

On a like-for-like basis, the two schools perform similarly.

compare like for like

When you compare like for like, the cheaper option isn't always the best value.

Synonyms and how they differ

equivalent

Equivalent means equal in value or meaning; it is an adjective and does not carry the idea of a fair comparison as strongly.

comparable

Comparable means able to be compared; it is broader and does not require the things to be identical in all important ways.

Opposites

Commonly confused: like for like or like for like?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “like for like”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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