by comparison with

USAGE SUMMARY

"by comparison with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe how one thing is different from another thing. For example, "By comparison with last year, this year's sales have increased dramatically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quite mild, by comparison with the others.

The Guardian - Books

"By comparison with me, they say, Fleming was great".

The New York Times

By comparison with the security budget, "it is nothing.

The Guardian

By comparison with Robbins and Dearing, Browne is puny.

The Guardian

Well, by comparison with the regular fare, they're relatively cheap.

The New York Times

Both works seem modest by comparison with his latest stunt.

The New York Times - Arts

By comparison with Volkswagen, BMW's plans are cautious.

The New York Times

Abnormal root growth is revealed by comparison with healthy roots.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By comparison with that, getting to 3K is a doddle.

The Economist

The carbon footprint of the science community is tiny by comparison with the rest of society.

The Guardian

By comparison with Hemingway's, Lewis's description of the event is coolness itself.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by comparison with" to clearly establish a benchmark for evaluation. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the magnitude of difference between two subjects.

Common error

While "by comparison with" is suitable for formal contexts, avoid overuse in casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "compared to" or "in contrast to" may be more appropriate and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by comparison with" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparative element. It sets up a benchmark against which something is being evaluated. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by comparison with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce a comparative element. It is mostly common in News & Media and Science sources, as confirmed by Ludwig. When writing, remember that this phrase best fits formal contexts, and it's crucial to establish a clear reference point for evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, making it a solid choice for clearly articulating differences between subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to

A more concise and common alternative, suitable for most contexts.

in contrast to

This alternative offers a direct contrast rather than a measured comparison.

as opposed to

Highlights a clear distinction or opposition.

relative to

This suggests a more proportional or scaled comparison.

by way of contrast to

More emphatic than "in contrast to", highlighting a notable difference.

juxtaposed with

This implies placing two things side by side for the purpose of comparison, often to highlight differences.

in relation to

Focuses on the connection or association between the items being compared.

set against

Suggests a contrasting background or context.

vis-à-vis

A formal and somewhat less common way to indicate a comparison or relationship.

measured against

This implies a benchmark or standard used for evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "by comparison with" in a sentence?

Use "by comparison with" to highlight the difference between two or more subjects. For instance, "By comparison with last year's profits, this year's revenue shows substantial growth."

What phrases are similar to "by comparison with"?

Alternatives include "compared to", "in contrast to", or "relative to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "by comparison with" interchangeable with "compared to"?

While similar, "by comparison with" is slightly more formal and emphasizes a detailed examination of differences. "Compared to" is generally more versatile.

When is it best to use "by comparison with" over other comparative phrases?

"By comparison with" is ideal when you want to establish a clear reference point for evaluating something. It's best suited for formal writing and situations where precise comparison is important.