a comparison for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a comparison for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a comparison between two similar things. For example, "A comparison for the two types of apples is helpful in determining which is the best option for baking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(a) Comparison for Life expectancy at birth.

Nature

Minecraft is often mentioned as a comparison for Roblox, but the two are very different.

The Guardian - Tech

The report did not provide a comparison for normal rainfall for the period.

The New York Times

It includes a comparison of weighting function calculations, a comparison for the scattering limb geometry, a comparison for twilight ground-based observations.

Advances in Space Research

A comparison, for low pileup fractions, of the pileup models in Sherpa and XSpec with that in ISIS.

Harvard University

We also study a hinged-free rotational-spring attachment as a comparison for the heaving system.

Journal of Fluids and Structures

She thinks her rigorous response to pollution is influenced by her time in London, which was "a comparison for just how clean the air could be".

The Guardian

"She just couldn't get it out of her head, and it became a comparison for everything else," Ms. Bragar said.

The New York Times

A comparison for ebooks is impossible to provide as there are no reliable figures for the total number of ebooks published in the US.

The Guardian - Books

With a POV metaphor designers challenge themselves to come up with a comparison for what their user wants to help guide their process of ideation and prototyping.

Stanford University

Moreover, a comparison for this model of the simulation results with experimental data to validate the model.

Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a comparison for" when introducing what will serve as the standard or reference point in your analysis. This helps to clearly define the benchmark against which other items are being evaluated.

Common error

Avoid using "a comparison for" when the items being compared lack a logical or relevant connection. Ensure that the items share enough similarities to make the comparison meaningful and insightful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comparison for" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces a reference point or baseline in an analysis or evaluation. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it sets the stage for comparing different items or scenarios against this established standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a comparison for" is a versatile phrase used to establish a basis for evaluation, according to Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it sets the standard against which other elements are measured. While grammatically correct and frequently used, ensure that the items you are comparing share relevant connections to avoid misapplication. By using this phrase thoughtfully, you can enhance the clarity and analytical rigor of your writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared with

Directly states a comparison is being made against something.

in comparison with

Slightly more formal version of 'compared with'.

by comparison to

Similar to 'compared with', but may imply a more in-depth analysis.

a point of comparison

Highlights a specific aspect or detail used for comparative analysis.

a basis for comparison

Focuses on establishing a foundational element that allows for comparison.

in relation to

Focuses on the connection or relationship established through comparison.

relative to

Indicates a comparison made in proportion or relation to something else.

in contrast to

Emphasizes the differences rather than similarities.

as opposed to

Highlights a distinct opposition or alternative.

juxtaposed with

Emphasizes placing two elements side by side for contrasting comparison.

FAQs

How do I use "a comparison for" in a sentence?

Use "a comparison for" to introduce an element that will serve as the basis or standard against which other items are compared. For example, "Baseline samples were also manufactured using the autoclave process to provide "a comparison for" the ATP composites produced."

What are some alternatives to "a comparison for"?

You can use alternatives such as "compared with", "in contrast to", or "relative to" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "a comparison for" when making comparisons?

No, it's not always necessary. Simpler phrases like "compared to" or rephrasing the sentence to directly show the contrast might be more effective depending on the context. The choice depends on clarity and flow.

What's the difference between "a comparison for" and "compared to"?

"A comparison for" often introduces the standard or baseline, while "compared to" directly contrasts two items. For example, 'We used the old model as "a comparison for" the new one,' versus 'The new model is faster "compared to" the old one.'