be compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be compared to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something or someone is similar to or resembles another thing or person. Example: "The beauty of the sunset can be compared to a painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He needs to be compared to Apple".

The New Yorker

"Pop music can be compared to that.

The New York Times - Arts

"Chávez can't be compared to Christ".

The Economist

I could never be compared to him".

The New York Times - Magazine

HOW can he be compared to Babe Ruth?

The New York Times

"Nothing else can be compared to it".

The Guardian - Books

The Last Witch will inevitably be compared to The Crucible.

The Guardian

But Stalin's crimes cannot be compared to Hitler's.

The Guardian - Opinion

Heroin can be compared to an infectious disease,' says Parker.

The Guardian

Real earnings are supposed to be compared to real losses.

The New York Times

"It's an honor to be compared to Tiger," Willey said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be compared to", ensure that the basis for comparison is clear and relevant to your argument. Specify the qualities or characteristics that are being compared to provide context and strengthen your analysis.

Common error

Avoid making comparisons without clarifying the specific aspects being compared. For example, instead of saying 'This policy can be compared to previous ones', specify which elements are similar and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be compared to" functions as a passive verb phrase used to indicate that a subject is being examined for similarities with another subject. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be compared to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to draw parallels between different subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts. Its function is to establish similarities, aiding in clarification and evaluation. While appropriate for neutral registers, it appears most frequently in "news & media", "academic", and "science" contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "be likened to" or "be analogous to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be likened to

This alternative uses 'likened' instead of 'compared', maintaining a formal tone.

be equivalent to

This means having the same value, use, or meaning.

be analogous to

This suggests a deeper similarity, implying a parallel in function or structure.

be seen as similar to

Focuses on perception and the act of viewing something as alike.

bear comparison with

This implies that something is worthy of being compared, focusing on the act of comparing itself.

be considered alongside

This suggests evaluating something in relation to another thing.

be on par with

This suggests equality in quality or status.

resemble

A shorter and more direct way of saying that something looks or seems like something else.

be commensurate with

This alternative indicates a proportional relationship or correspondence.

be in the same league as

This suggests belonging to the same category or level of quality.

FAQs

How can I use "be compared to" in a sentence?

The phrase "be compared to" is used to draw a parallel or similarity between two different things. For example, "Her singing can "be compared to" that of a nightingale."

What is a good substitute for "be compared to"?

Alternatives include "be likened to", "be analogous to", or "be equivalent to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be compared to" in writing?

Use "be compared to" when you want to highlight similarities between two distinct subjects, helping your audience understand one in terms of the other. It's useful for explaining complex concepts or providing a new perspective.

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

While both phrases indicate a comparison, "be compared to" often suggests a more metaphorical or illustrative comparison, while "be compared with" implies a more direct and detailed analysis of similarities and differences. The first is more evocative, the second more analytical.