cannot compare to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot compare to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that one thing is inferior or less significant than another. Example: "The beauty of the sunset cannot compare to the breathtaking view from the mountaintop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

But it cannot compare to the price of waiting.

The New York Times

Rodgers's running, of course, cannot compare to Vick's.

The New York Times - Sports

Those physical remains cannot compare to the emotions the Pirates have wasted.

The New York Times - Sports

The total repertoire cannot compare to the work done in Mesopotamia during the same periods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they cannot compare to the fresh, handcrafted patties found at a handful of Jamaican bakeries here.

The New York Times

Federer covers the court in a way that tennis players say they cannot compare to other tennis players.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Obviously, though, a broad scientific consensus - its precise shape still shifting as scientists debate - cannot compared to church dogma, even if some scientists are behaving capriciously.

The Guardian - Opinion

You cannot compare yourself to them.

The Guardian - Sport

You cannot compare bison to dolphins in the cognitive domain.

The New York Times

I cannot compare myself to the Ronaldinhos, Ronaldos and Robinhos, I'm nothing like that really".

The Guardian - Sport

While I am happy I did well against some all-time swimming greats, I cannot compare myself to them".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot compare to", ensure the comparison is clear and the entities being compared are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot compare to" without clearly specifying what is being compared to what. For instance, instead of saying 'The film cannot compare to others', specify 'The film cannot compare to the original novel in terms of depth'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot compare to" functions as a comparative expression, asserting that one subject is significantly inferior or unequal to another. It is used to highlight disparities in quality, value, or significance, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

14%

Huffington Post

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

BBC

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot compare to" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote a significant difference in quality or importance between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a comparative tool, commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. The phrase's neutral register makes it versatile across different writing styles, while related alternatives include "pales in comparison to" and "is no match for". When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is being compared to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pales in comparison to

Emphasizes the weaker or less impressive nature of something when contrasted with something else.

is no match for

Suggests a complete lack of equality or competitiveness between two things.

doesn't hold a candle to

Implies that something is significantly inferior and cannot be compared in terms of quality or value.

is far superior to

Directly states that one thing is much better than another.

is in a different league than

Indicates a significant difference in class, quality, or ability.

is not in the same class as

Highlights the disparity in quality or status between two things.

is light years ahead of

Emphasizes the vast difference and advancement of one thing over another.

is second to none

Asserts the unrivaled excellence of something, implying that nothing else can compare.

is unmatched by

Indicates that something is unique and without equal.

falls short of

Suggests that something fails to reach the standard or level of something else.

FAQs

How do I use "cannot compare to" in a sentence?

Use "cannot compare to" to indicate that something is significantly inferior or less impressive than something else. For example: 'The sequel "cannot compare to" the original movie'.

What can I say instead of "cannot compare to"?

You can use alternatives like "pales in comparison to", "is no match for", or "doesn't hold a candle to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cannot compare to" or "can't be compared to"?

Both "cannot compare to" and "can't be compared to" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Cannot compare to" suggests a significant difference in quality, while "can't be compared to" implies that the items are so different that a direct comparison is impossible.

What's the difference between "cannot compare to" and "is not comparable to"?

"Cannot compare to" implies a difference in quality or degree, whereas "is not comparable to" suggests that the two things are fundamentally different and unsuitable for comparison. The first suggests inferiority; the second, incommensurability.