bears no comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bears no comparison" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is so superior or different that it cannot be compared to anything else. Example: "The beauty of the sunset over the ocean bears no comparison to any other view I've ever seen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There bears no comparison," adds Mr Farage.

Independent

Registration, in short, bears no comparison to the rigorous world of health-care certification".

The New York Times

But for Robin Hull, it bears no comparison to some of the terrifying experiences life has thrown at him.

Independent

Second, whatever the failings of Iraq's democracy, it bears no comparison to the regime that other hostile elements would impose.

The New York Times

And the image of Barack Obama crying while delivering yet another press conference about yet another mass shooting bears no comparison to any other emotional episode.

The Guardian

Bad Vibes bears no comparison with, for instance, John Harris's rigorous and even-handed history, The Last Party: Britpop, Blair and the Demise of English Rock.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

But, in at least one respect, they bear no comparison.

The New Yorker

Although the economics bear no comparison, the objectives are similar to those encountered during Robert Loader's 60s council-house renewal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

England's routine 4-0 vintory in Kazakhstan bore no comparison to Brazil's victory by the same score in Montevideo.

The New York Times - Sports

Though his books bear no comparison to his music, their very existence declared a new, intellectual ambition for pop.

Independent

Israel objected to inclusion of female genetic mutilation in the resolution, saying it bore no comparison with the ritual circumcision of boys.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears no comparison" to emphasize a significant difference or superiority, making it clear that direct comparison is inappropriate or meaningless.

Common error

Avoid using "bears no comparison" for minor differences; reserve it for situations where the contrast is truly substantial and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears no comparison" functions as an emphatic expression of non-equivalence. It asserts that two things are so dissimilar in quality, scale, or nature that they cannot be meaningfully compared. Ludwig's examples illustrate this use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bears no comparison" is a useful idiom for emphasizing a significant difference or the unique quality of something, indicating that direct comparison is inappropriate. Ludwig confirms it's a grammatically sound phrase, finding common usage within news and media, and suggesting it is appropriate in neutral registers. When using the phrase, ensure the disparity is substantial and choose alternatives such as "is incomparable" or "is unmatched" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's no comparison

A more emphatic way of saying something is far superior.

is incomparable

Highlights the uniqueness and lack of basis for comparison due to exceptional qualities.

is unmatched

Emphasizes the superiority and lack of equal or similar counterparts.

is beyond compare

Emphasizes the exceptional quality that makes comparison impossible.

cannot be compared

Directly states the impossibility of finding a valid comparison.

is in a league of its own

Suggests that something is so superior it exists separately from others.

stands alone

Indicates that something is unique and without similar examples.

is without parallel

Highlights that something has no equal or corresponding example.

is like comparing apples and oranges

Suggests the comparison is inappropriate due to fundamental differences.

dwarfs in comparison

Implies that one thing is so much larger or more significant that it makes the other seem insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "bears no comparison" in a sentence?

You can use "bears no comparison" to emphasize that something is so different or superior that it cannot be directly compared to something else. For example, "The scale of the coming gas bonanza "bears no comparison" with anything in the past."

What does "bears no comparison" mean?

The phrase "bears no comparison" means that something is so different or of such a different magnitude that a direct comparison is not meaningful or valid. It implies a significant disparity.

Which is correct, "bears no comparison" or "has no comparison"?

"Bears no comparison" is the more idiomatic and widely accepted phrase. While "has no comparison" might be understood, it is less common and sounds less natural.

What can I say instead of "bears no comparison"?

Alternatives include "is incomparable", "is unmatched", or "cannot be compared" depending on the specific context you want to convey.