How to Use "Compare (This) To" vs. "Compare (This) With"

• "Compare (this) to" is a phrase commonly employed when highlighting similarities between two different things or concepts. It is often used to draw parallels, emphasizing resemblances or analogous qualities.
• "Compare (this) with" is utilized when examining the differences or specific aspects of two entities. This phrase is suitable for a detailed analysis that emphasizes contrasting elements.

When and how to use compare (this) to

Purpose:

• Drawing Similarities: Use "compare this to" when you want to highlight the resemblances or analogies between two things, often for illustrative or explanatory purposes.
• Creating Vivid Images: It's often employed to create more vivid or striking images in the reader's mind, making descriptions more engaging and relatable.

Structure:

• Basic Structure: "Compare this to + [something else]."

Contexts:

• Literature and Creative Writing: Frequently used in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction to enhance imagery and create emotional connections.
• Explanatory Writing: Can be used in essays, articles, or reports to clarify complex concepts by comparing them to more familiar things.
• Presentations and Speeches: Effective for capturing attention and making ideas more memorable by using vivid comparisons.
• Informal Conversations: Can be used in everyday conversations to make points more relatable and engaging.

Key Points:

• Focuses on Similarities: Emphasizes the shared qualities or characteristics between two things.
• Creates Images and Connections: Aims to paint a picture in the mind of the listener or reader, making ideas more tangible and relatable.
• Effective for Clarity and Engagement: Used across various forms of communication to enhance understanding and create a more compelling experience.

Additional Considerations:

• Alternative Phrases: For a more direct comparison, consider using "compare this with" or "compare this to that of."
• Formal Writing: In formal writing, be mindful of overuse and ensure comparisons are relevant and clear.

Examples from the web

"How did it compare to Libya?" - The New York Times

"How does that compare to other factors?" - The New York Times

Example sentences

1. The professor asked the students to compare the human brain to a complex computer system for a better understanding of cognitive processes.
2. The artist eloquently described her masterpiece, comparing it to a symphony of colors dancing on the canvas.
3. In his speech, the politician attempted to humanize the economic struggle, comparing it to the challenges faced by everyday citizens.
4. The chef encouraged diners to savor the unique flavors of the dish, comparing it to a culinary journey through diverse and harmonious taste profiles.
5. The author skillfully crafted metaphors to compare the protagonist's resilience to a sturdy oak tree weathering life's storms.

When and how to use compare (this) with

Purpose:

• Analyzing Differences and Similarities: Use "compare (this) with" when you want to examine both the similarities and differences between two or more things, often for the purpose of evaluation, analysis, or decision-making.
• Highlighting Contrasts and Nuances: It's particularly useful for drawing attention to the distinctions and subtle variations between similar items or concepts.

Structure:

• Basic Structure: "Compare (this) with + [other thing(s)]."

Contexts:

• Academic Writing: Commonly used in research papers, essays, and reviews to compare theories, data, methodologies, or outcomes.
• Technical Writing: Employed in technical documents, product descriptions, and specifications to compare features, functionalities, or performance metrics.
• Business Writing: Used in proposals, reports, and presentations to compare costs, benefits, risks, or options for decision-making.
• Informal Conversations: Can be used in everyday discussions to contrast opinions, experiences, or options, often to make informed choices or reach conclusions.

Key Points:

• Emphasizes Contrasts and Similarities: While it can highlight both, "compare with" often places a stronger emphasis on the differences and distinctions between items being compared.
• Facilitates Evaluation and Analysis: Promotes a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the objects or concepts under examination.
• Aids Decision-Making: By facilitating a thorough comparison, it helps individuals or groups make informed choices or reach well-supported conclusions.

Additional Considerations:

• Conjunction "With": The use of "with" implies a direct comparison between two or more entities, often placing them side by side for analysis.
• Formal and Informal Contexts: "Compare with" can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the purpose and audience.

Examples from the web

"Nothing can compare with that." - Independent

"My pools don't compare with Hearst." - The New York Times - Arts

Example sentences

1. When learning a new language, it's helpful to compare it with your native language to identify similarities and differences in grammar and vocabulary.
2. The scientist conducted experiments to compare the efficiency of two different solar panels, analyzing their energy conversion rates.
3. In the marketing report, the company's quarterly performance was compared with industry benchmarks to assess its competitive standing.
4. As a teacher, it's crucial to encourage students to compare historical events with contemporary situations to grasp the relevance and impact of history.
5. The fashion designer invited clients to compare fabrics with various textures, allowing them to choose materials that best suited their preferences.

Examining the Ngram graph below, we can see that compare occurred more than compare to. However interestingly, their number of use recently seems to have come to a convergence.

Related phrases to compare (this) to

1. Analogize to
2. Equate to
3. Likened to
4. Draw parallels with
5. Correlate to
6. Compare side by side with
7. Match up to
8. Analyze in relation to
9. Assimilate to

Related phrases to compare (this) with

1. Analogous to
2. Simile to
3. Resemble to
4. Correspond to
5. Reflective of
6. Comparable to
7. In the vein of
8. In alignment with
9. Drawing a parallel to
10. In resonance with

FAQ

What is the difference between with and to?

The difference lies in the nature of the comparison. "With" is used when emphasizing differences or specific attributes, while "to" is employed when highlighting similarities or general qualities. Choosing between them depends on the focus of the comparison in a given context.

Summary

In conclusion, this blog post delved into the subtleties between "compare to" and "compare with." By emphasizing their distinct uses—highlighting similarities and differences, respectively—the post aimed to provide clarity, enabling effective and precise communication in diverse linguistic contexts.

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References:

compare

1. to examine or look for the difference between two or more things: 2. to…

definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary