being compared with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being compared with a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing similarities or differences between two subjects in a comparative context. Example: "In her essay, she argues that modern technology is often being compared with a double-edged sword, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The August increase is also being compared with a month a year ago in which sales declined 2.8 percent.

The New York Times

"I think if you're young and you're being compared with a successful family member, it's really hard to maintain any sense of self-worth and credibility".

The Guardian - Film

Comet, which has recently embarked on a three-year turnaround plan, revamping shops and products, said its second-quarter figures were weaker because they were being compared with a very strong quarter the previous year.

The Guardian - Business

Angela Rippon tells Woman that when she can no longer hide the hurt of being compared with a meringue, "they'll have to take me off to the funny farm".

The Guardian

The Small Business Administration, which also monitors new business, cautions that 1982 figures, though they may be down, are being compared with a record number of business starts last year.

The New York Times

The generally slow but unpredictable clinical evolution implies a requirement for large studies (typically involving several hundred patients) of long duration (usually 2 to 3 years), with an active treatment group being compared with a control group.

Blue Books of Practical Neurology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

And that is compared with a weak year-ago quarter.

The New York Times

Or it can be compared with a placebo, when the relevant question is how it compares with an existing drug.

The New York Times

The results will be compared with a control group that received the standard curriculum.

The New York Times - Magazine

That is compared with a split-adjusted 16 cents in the year-earlier period.

The New York Times

These results were compared with a nationally representative sample using the same questionnaire.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being compared with a", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to the context. Avoid vague comparisons that lack specific points of reference.

Common error

Avoid using "being compared with a" if the basis for comparison is not explicitly stated or easily understood. Readers should not have to guess what aspects are being compared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being compared with a" functions as part of a passive verb construction. It indicates that a subject is undergoing the action of comparison, rather than performing it. Ludwig shows examples where this phrase is used to denote analysis and evaluation against a specific benchmark or another entity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being compared with a" functions as a passive construction used to describe the act of evaluating something against a reference point. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound, though not exceptionally common. Its usage is most prevalent in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting a relatively formal and analytical tone. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in the comparison and avoid ambiguity regarding the criteria or subject of the assessment. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, the phrase's effectiveness hinges on the explicitness and relevance of the comparative context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being contrasted with

Focuses on the differences rather than general similarities.

being likened to

Suggests a similarity, often metaphorical, between two things.

being measured against

Implies a standard or benchmark for comparison.

being benchmarked against

Similar to 'measured against' but more specific to performance comparisons.

being weighed against

Suggests a careful consideration of pros and cons in relation to something else.

being juxtaposed with

Highlights the act of placing two things side by side to compare or contrast them.

being paralleled with

Emphasizes the similarities and analogous aspects between two subjects.

being correlated with

Indicates a statistical relationship or association rather than a direct comparison.

being equated with

Suggests that two things are considered to be of equal value or significance.

being assimilated to

Highlights how something is being absorbed or integrated into another, prompting comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "being compared with a" in a sentence?

Use "being compared with a" to show similarities or differences between two or more items. For example, "The new model is "being compared with a" previous version to highlight improvements".

What are some alternatives to "being compared with a"?

Alternatives include "being likened to", "being contrasted with", or "being measured against". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "compared to" or "compared with"?

Both "compared to" and "compared with" are acceptable, but "compared with" is often preferred when emphasizing similarities and differences, while "compared to" is often used for figurative comparisons or analogies. For example: "The economy's growth was "being compared with a" historical average" uses "with".

When should I use "being compared with" in passive voice?

Use the passive voice when the subject receiving the comparison is more important than the agent doing the comparing. For instance, "The patient's progress is "being compared with a" control group" emphasizes the patient's progress.