can be compared with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be compared with" is correct and is used often in written English.
For example, "The quality of the digital music today can be compared with the vinyl records of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Magma can be compared with Mathematica, Maple or Matlab.

Harvard University

Also, the victim's DNA can be compared with that of close relatives.

The New York Times - Science

Then they can be compared with the more traditional styles for taste, rather than cost.

The New York Times - Food

"The National Library of Cuba can be compared with any in the third world.

The New York Times

The dynamism of Zdanevich's typographic illustrations can be compared with Kirill's gouache.

Columbia University

Photographs of whole-body sections can be compared with autoradiograms to correlate anatomy and probe localization.

Stanford University

Then that $6,221 MRI can be compared with the one for $300.

Harvard Business Review

The experimental force time curve can be compared with calculated energy-simulation steps.

Nature

This information can be compared with system logs and customer service calls.

MIT Technology Review

The crystallization of these salts can be compared with the evaporation of brine in a dish.

Britannica

Thus, norms can be established so that people can be compared with each other.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To use "can be compared with" effectively, specify the attributes or characteristics being compared to provide context and clarity. For example, "This new technology can be compared with existing models in terms of efficiency and cost."

Common error

Do not use "can be compared with" without providing a clear reason or metric for the comparison. A vague comparison weakens your statement. Instead, specify the aspect being compared, like "The speed of this process can be compared with that of previous methods, showing a significant improvement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be compared with" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that a comparison between two or more things is possible or relevant. It highlights the potential for evaluating similarities or differences. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and frequent use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be compared with" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to draw comparisons between different subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and commonality. It's important to ensure the basis for comparison is clear and relevant, as vague comparisons can weaken the statement. The phrase is widely used across various authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific journals, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Alternatives include "is comparable to" or "can be likened to". By understanding its usage and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "can be compared with" to enhance clarity and strengthen their arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comparable to

A more direct and slightly more formal synonym of the original phrase.

can be likened to

Emphasizes similarity or analogy, often used for illustrative purposes.

is analogous to

Suggests a direct comparison showing a similarity in some respects.

can be equated with

Implies equivalence or near-equivalence, often in quantitative or abstract terms.

can be matched against

Focuses on a direct comparison to assess similarity or compatibility.

bears comparison with

Indicates that a comparison is relevant and likely to be informative.

is on par with

Suggests that something is equal in quality or status.

can be set alongside

Suggests a side-by-side comparison to reveal similarities and differences.

is commensurate with

Highlights a proportional or corresponding relationship.

can be contrasted with

Highlights the differences between two or more things.

FAQs

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

Use "can be compared with" to draw parallels or contrasts between two or more subjects. For example, "The efficiency of solar panels "can be compared with" traditional energy sources" to highlight their relative performance.

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

Alternatives include "can be likened to", "is analogous to", or "is comparable to", each offering a slightly different nuance in comparison.

When is it appropriate to use "can be compared with" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to evaluate or illustrate something by pointing out its similarities or differences with another item. Ensure your comparison is relevant and adds value to the reader's understanding.

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

"Can be compared with" emphasizes similarities, while "can be contrasted with" highlights differences. Choose the phrase that best reflects the relationship you want to emphasize between the subjects.