can be compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'can be compared to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a similarity between two things. For example, "A computer's processing speed can be compared to a person's ability to do math equations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spiritually, human beings can be compared to onions.

WikiHow

"Nothing else can be compared to it".

The Guardian - Books

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

The Guardian

It can be compared to Poland 12 years ago".

The New York Times

This can be compared to the "mcv" method below.

Harvard University

ACS data can be compared to ACS data.

Princeton University

This can be compared to the "mode" method above.

Harvard University

In this, it can be compared to the writing process.

L'Évolution Psychiatrique

A controlled event can be compared to a theatre play.

Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies

Rendezvous these days can be compared to summer camp for families and adults, Ms. Meyers said.

The New York Times - Travel

Ben Carson's youthful anger problem can be compared to child molestation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the comparison is relevant and adds value. Avoid comparing things that are too dissimilar or where the comparison is trivial.

Common error

Avoid using "can be compared to" to imply equivalence when there are only superficial similarities. Misleading comparisons can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be compared to" serves as a comparative connector, allowing speakers and writers to draw parallels between different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid construction for establishing similarities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be compared to" functions as a comparative connector, allowing for parallels between diverse subjects, and is used in a wide variety of contexts, including academic, news, and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is relevant and adds value, and avoid overstating the similarity. High-frequency usage is supported by several examples across various authoritative sources, indicating its solid place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comparable to

Emphasizes that both items are of similar type, quality, or nature and can be considered side-by-side.

is analogous to

Focuses on a direct analogy or similarity between two subjects.

can be likened to

Suggests a more figurative or imaginative comparison.

is similar to

Highlights a resemblance without necessarily drawing a direct comparison.

bears resemblance to

A more formal way of indicating a similarity, often used in technical or analytical contexts.

is akin to

Indicates a close relationship or similarity, often implying shared characteristics.

resembles

Simply points out a visual or superficial similarity.

is evocative of

Implies that one thing reminds you of another through shared qualities or feelings.

is on par with

Indicates that something is equal in quality or standard to something else.

is commensurate with

Implies that two things are proportional or correspond in size or degree.

FAQs

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

Use "can be compared to" to draw parallels between two different subjects, highlighting similar aspects. For instance, "A car's engine "can be compared to" the human heart, as both are essential for function."

What are some alternatives to "can be compared to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is similar to", "is analogous to", or "is comparable to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "can be compared to" or "can compare to"?

"Can be compared to" is the correct passive form, indicating that something is suitable for comparison. "Can compare to" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

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

"Can be compared to" suggests a similarity, while "can be equated with" implies a direct equivalence or one-to-one correspondence. For example, "A metaphor "can be compared to" a riddle", but "In this scenario, one unit of X can be equated with 2 units of Y".