compare and contrast

USAGE SUMMARY

"compare and contrast" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the idea of looking at two or more things and analyzing the similarities and differences between them. For example: "In this essay, I will compare and contrast the different types of marketing strategies used by small and large businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Two agendas; compare and contrast.

The New York Times

Also to compare and contrast.

The New Yorker

Compare and contrast your results.

The New York Times

Compare and contrast with astrology.

The Guardian

Compare and contrast Private Eye.

The Guardian

Compare and contrast with George Osborne.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the teachers say, compare and contrast.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Then assign a compare-and-contrast essay.

The New York Times - Arts

— became part of the ceaseless compare-and-contrast debate.

The New York Times

These two novels make a tidy compare-and-contrast topic.

The New York Times - Arts

The opportunities for compare-and-contrast go on and on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing an essay, use "compare and contrast" to structure your arguments and provide a balanced view of the topics you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid simply listing similarities and differences. Provide a deeper analysis that explains the significance of these comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compare and contrast" functions as a directive, primarily used to instruct or suggest a method of analysis. It prompts the examination of two or more subjects to identify their similarities and differences. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compare and contrast" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves as a directive for analytical examination. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, with numerous examples demonstrating its prevalence across diverse contexts such as news, educational materials, and general writing. It encourages a structured method of identifying both similarities and differences to foster deeper insights. Alternatives like "draw a comparison between" or "weigh the similarities and differences" offer nuanced variations for specific analytical needs. As a widely applicable term, mastering its usage is key to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrast and compare

Reverses the order of the actions, slightly shifting the emphasis.

draw a comparison between

Focuses on the act of making a comparison, highlighting the similarities and differences.

make a comparison

Similar to "draw a comparison between", but less formal.

weigh the similarities and differences

Emphasizes a more careful and deliberate analysis of the aspects being considered.

examine the parallels and divergences

Uses more formal language to describe the process of comparing and contrasting.

analyze the likenesses and distinctions

Similar to the previous alternative, but focuses on a formal and detailed analysis.

juxtapose

A single word that indicates placing two things side by side to highlight their differences.

differentiate and relate

Highlights the dual actions of finding differences and similarities between items.

set in opposition

Emphasizes the contrasting aspects more than the comparison.

balance one against the other

Suggests a careful evaluation of two options, considering their pros and cons.

FAQs

How do I use "compare and contrast" in a sentence?

You can use "compare and contrast" to introduce an analysis of similarities and differences between two or more subjects. For example, "Let's "compare and contrast" the book and the movie versions of the story."

What can I say instead of "compare and contrast"?

You can use alternatives like "draw a comparison between", "weigh the similarities and differences", or "analyze the likenesses and distinctions" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "compare and contrast" or "contrast and compare"?

Both "compare and contrast" and "contrast and compare" are grammatically correct, but "compare and contrast" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing. Using "compare and contrast" typically implies an initial focus on similarities, followed by differences, though this distinction is subtle.

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

"Analyze" is a broader term that means to examine something methodically and in detail. "Compare and contrast" is a specific type of analysis that focuses on identifying similarities and differences. Thus, you can analyze something without comparing and contrasting, but if you "compare and contrast", you are inherently analyzing.