THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
By the same token
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
For the same reason, or following the same reasoning as the previous point.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We should respect their working hours; by the same token, they should respect ours.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We should respect their working hours; ________, they should respect ours.
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By the same token — For the same reason, or following the same reasoning as the previous point.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “By the same token” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
For the same reason, or following the same reasoning as the previous point.
Compare: We should respect their working hours; by the same token, they should respect ours.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it to connect two related conclusions in a discussion or piece of writing. It has a thoughtful, fairly formal tone.
More examples in context
- A clear title helps readers find an article. By the same token, clear headings help them find details inside it.
- You cannot judge her from one mistake; by the same token, one success does not prove everything.
Usage note
Use it when the same reasoning supports both points. It is not a general substitute for however when the ideas are unrelated.
A short conversation
A: We should not interrupt others during their presentations.
B: Agreed. By the same token, we should expect the same courtesy when we speak.
A: Let us make that a shared rule.
One more practice question
Which link correctly uses “by the same token”?
A. Your time matters; by the same token, other people’s time matters too.
B. Your time matters; by the same token, my umbrella is blue.
Check your answer
A. The same principle of respecting time supports both statements.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.