bears comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

"bears comparison" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means that something or someone is worthy to be compared to another thing or person. Example: The singer's vocal range bears comparison to that of Mariah Carey.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Wagner also bears comparison in performance.

The Guardian - Music

At its best, it bears comparison with Beckett and Pinter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Judged on sporting terms alone, it bears comparison with 1974's Rumble in the Jungle.

The Guardian - Sport

It hardly bears comparison to the enchanted realms whose Prosperos are Rembrandt and Vermeer.

The New Yorker

Then again, in its scale of impact, it also bears comparison with that cataclysmic asteroid wallop.

The New York Times - Books

There is no period in recent UK financial history which bears comparison".

The Guardian - Business

He bears comparison with Col. Robert Gould Shaw, the young, aristocratic Civil War Commander.

The New Yorker

His performance, combining rage and vulnerability, bears comparison with De Niro's Johnny Boy in Mean Streets.

The Guardian - Film

It contained much encyclopaedic material but bears comparison even with the OED.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Liquid Flesh," Shaughnessy's garrulous waking-baby poem, bears comparison with Plath's "Morning Song" or "Nick and the Candlestick".

The New Yorker

With this sequel to his blockbuster third album, however, the rapper has created a work that bears comparison.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears comparison" to introduce a comparison that highlights specific similarities or shared characteristics. This phrase is effective when you want to draw attention to noteworthy parallels.

Common error

Avoid using "bears comparison" when there are no significant or relevant similarities between the subjects being compared. Ensure the comparison is meaningful and provides genuine insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears comparison" functions as a linking verb followed by a noun, indicating that one subject is worthy of being compared to another. As Ludwig AI highlights, this suggests a degree of similarity or equivalence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bears comparison" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that suggests a valid or meaningful comparison between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence in various sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "is comparable to" and "is similar to" exist, "bears comparison" offers a nuanced way to draw parallels and provide deeper insights. It is crucial to ensure the comparison is relevant and significant to avoid misuse. The phrase is generally neutral to formal, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comparable to

Replaces the verb "bears" with "is" and uses the adjective "comparable" to convey similarity.

is similar to

Emphasizes the similarity between two subjects, focusing on shared characteristics.

can be likened to

Suggests a figurative comparison, implying a resemblance that might not be immediately obvious.

is analogous to

Highlights a parallel or correspondence in some particular aspects or traits.

shares similarities with

Focuses on the common attributes or features that two things possess.

is on a par with

Indicates that two things are of equal standing or quality.

equates to

Implies a direct equivalence or correspondence between two things.

is commensurate with

Suggests that two things are proportional or correspond in measure or degree.

presents a parallel to

Highlights the existence of a corresponding or similar situation or thing.

shows resemblance to

Emphasizes the visual or superficial similarities between two subjects.

FAQs

How can I use "bears comparison" in a sentence?

You can use "bears comparison" to indicate that something is similar or comparable to something else. For example, "This novel "bears comparison" with classic literature because of its complex themes".

What are some alternatives to saying "bears comparison"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is comparable to", "is similar to", or "can be likened to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "bears comparison to" or "bears comparison with"?

Both "bears comparison to" and "bears comparison with" are acceptable, though "bears comparison with" is generally more common and considered more standard.

What's the difference between ""bears comparison"" and "invites comparison"?

"Bears comparison" suggests an inherent similarity that makes a comparison valid, while "invites comparison" implies that something prompts or encourages a comparison, without necessarily guaranteeing its validity.