compare

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "compare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as either a verb or a noun. Example sentence: We compared the prices of the two products to determine which option was the best deal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I always compare myself to the greats and I am just glad to be in the company of those guys.

The Guardian - Sport

And how does hunting now compare to the way it used to be? "Completely different".

The Guardian

The Thames from London Bridge to Greenwich I can only compare to an immense moving street of ships, large and small, something suggestive to the Parisian mind of an aquatic Rue de Rivoli.

The Guardian - Books

You can play live against other players, and see how your skills compare to the world in high-score tables.

The Guardian - Tech

HZ: "How do you compare the policing in this city with other metropolises in India such as Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata?" BS: "Broadly speaking it is similar, but I think the Mumbai police is one of the best forces in the world.

The Guardian

Even if you think it's scientifically relevant to compare the Arctic to Antarctica (it's not because one is a land mass and the other is an ocean) since 1979, the Arctic has been losing about 1.8 million square kilometres of ice, whereas Antarctica has been gaining about 0.28 million.

The Guardian

But you can't compare works of art in that way.

The Guardian - Film

But the image-making in the film was a challenge, not least because one of the oddities about Turner, as Leigh explains, is that if you compare portraits of him, he looks different in each one.

The Guardian - Film

When you compare the gentle coverage the royals receive in the US media with what they get on their home turf, you wonder why they don't quietly slip away and settle in, say, Orlando, Florida.

The Guardian

However, my question is do we know Detroit (a city of around 700,000 people in Michigan, US) well enough to confidently compare it to the north-east?

The Guardian

Some days, I want to grab the clutcher and ask her if she'd like to compare wallets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compare", clearly specify what aspects you are comparing and the criteria you are using for the comparison. This provides context and makes your analysis more insightful.

Common error

Don't just say "compare" without stating what you're comparing. For example, instead of saying "Compare the two", specify "Compare the benefits of the two approaches".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compare" is as a verb, used to describe the act of examining the similarities or differences between two or more items. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "compare" is a versatile verb used to examine the similarities and differences between two or more things. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. With "compare" being very common, it's essential to use it precisely, clearly stating the aspects being compared. Related phrases like "contrast" and "differentiate" offer alternative ways to express the same idea, while authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this term. Remember to avoid vague comparisons by specifying what aspects are being compared to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrast

Focuses on highlighting the differences rather than similarities.

differentiate

Emphasizes the act of distinguishing between two or more things.

weigh

Suggests carefully considering the merits of different options.

equate

Implies establishing a direct relationship or correspondence.

balance

Focuses on assessing the relative importance of different factors.

match up

Suggests finding corresponding elements or similarities.

relate

Focuses on identifying a connection or association.

discriminate

Highlights the act of recognizing a clear distinction.

measure against

Implies using a standard to evaluate something.

juxtapose

Focuses on placing two things side by side for comparison.

FAQs

How do I use "compare" in a sentence?

You can use "compare" to show similarities or differences between two or more things. For instance, "compare the results of the two experiments" or "compare the costs before making a decision".

What can I say instead of "compare"?

You can use alternatives like "contrast", "differentiate", or "weigh" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "compare to" or "compare with"?

Both "compare to" and "compare with" are acceptable, but they have slightly different meanings. "Compare to" suggests asserting a likeness, while "compare with" suggests examining similarities and differences.

What's the difference between "compare" and "contrast"?

"Compare" generally means to examine similarities and differences, while "contrast" specifically focuses on highlighting the differences.