Compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

"compared to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to compare two things or people. For example, "The puppy was much smaller compared to the adult dog".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Compared to Liverpool?

Independent

"Compared to them".

The New Yorker

Compared to hockey, it's inexpensive".

The New York Times - Sports

"Compared to what?" he replied.

The New Yorker

Compared to last year?

The New York Times

"Compared to other nations?

The Guardian - Sport

Compared to them, I am doing nothing".

The New Yorker

Compared to Obama, Truman was a Socialist.

The New York Times

Compared to the French, probably not.

Independent

Compared to them, McGriff looked merely average.

The New York Times

Compared to other investments, bonds look appealing.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compared to" to highlight similarities; use "compared with" to emphasize differences. While often interchangeable, this distinction can add nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "compared to" when "compared with" is more appropriate to emphasize differences, as this can lead to misinterpretations. Understand the subtle distinction in their application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Compared to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, introducing a point of reference for comparison. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and commonly used phrase for drawing parallels or contrasts between two subjects or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Compared to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons between two entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, notably in news, scientific writing, and general reference. While often interchangeable with "compared with", it generally suggests similarities. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "in relation to" or "in comparison with". Remember to ensure that the items being compared are logically related. Understanding these nuances will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

When compared with

Explicitly states the act of comparing.

In comparison with

Formal alternative that emphasizes a structured evaluation.

By contrast with

Emphasizes the difference between two things.

As opposed to

Highlights a contrast or direct opposition.

Relative to

Focuses on how something is perceived or measured in relation to something else.

In relation to

Indicates a connection or association when assessing differences.

Versus

Often used in formal contexts to denote opposition or comparison.

Measured against

Implies a standard or benchmark for comparison.

Juxtaposed with

Suggests placing two things side by side for comparison.

Set against

Positions one thing in opposition or comparison to another.

FAQs

How can I use "Compared to" in a sentence?

"Compared to" is used to draw similarities between two things. For instance, "His salary is low "compared to" his responsibilities".

What's the difference between "compared to" and "compared with"?

While often used interchangeably, "compared to" generally suggests similarity, while "compared with" emphasizes differences. For example, "She is quiet "compared to" her sister" suggests they share similar traits, whereas "This model "compared with" the previous one has several improvements" highlights differences.

What are some alternatives to using "compared to" in writing?

Alternatives include phrases such as "in contrast to", "relative to", or "in comparison with" depending on the intended nuance.

Is "Compared to" formal or informal language?

"Compared to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider using "in relation to" or "in comparison with" for added precision.