compare notes

USAGE SUMMARY

"compare notes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two people or groups of people share information they have each gathered from different sources. For example: "The two teams met to compare notes on the research they had conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compare notes with a fellow classmate.

WikiHow

They compare notes.

The New Yorker

We even compare notes.

The New York Times

Backstage, we compare notes.

The New York Times

The two compare notes on mates.

The New York Times - Books

They compare notes and discuss strategies.

The New York Times

All of us would compare notes.

The New York Times

Experts met in Tokyo to compare notes.

The New York Times

We stand outside and compare notes.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't compare notes on their souls.

The Guardian - Music

We invited them to compare notes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compare notes", ensure that the context clearly indicates what kind of notes or information are being compared. Be specific to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone knows the context of the "notes". Clearly specify the subject matter or the data being compared to prevent confusion. For instance, instead of saying "Let's compare notes", specify "Let's compare notes on the marketing campaign results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compare notes" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of sharing and contrasting information. Ludwig AI highlights that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples show its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

17%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

24%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compare notes" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that means to share and discuss information or observations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, being specific about the "notes" enhances clarity. Alternatives like "exchange information" or "share insights" can provide more formal options. Its prevalence in news, academic, and business sources underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trade perspectives

Suggests an exchange of individual viewpoints.

exchange information

Focuses on the act of sharing data or knowledge, emphasizing the information aspect.

discuss observations

Centers on talking about what has been noticed or perceived.

share insights

Highlights the sharing of understanding or perspectives gained, suggesting deeper analysis.

align perspectives

Emphasizes bringing different viewpoints into agreement or harmony.

pool knowledge

Emphasizes combining individual knowledge bases for a collective understanding.

confer about details

Implies a formal discussion to clarify specific aspects.

cross-reference data

Suggests verifying information by checking different sources against each other.

synchronize understanding

Focuses on aligning different perspectives to achieve a uniform comprehension.

collaborate on findings

Highlights a joint effort to analyze and interpret research outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "compare notes" in a sentence?

You can use "compare notes" to indicate a sharing of information or observations. For example, "After the conference, the attendees decided to compare notes on the speakers' presentations".

What is a good alternative to "compare notes"?

Alternatives to "compare notes" include "exchange information", "share insights", or "discuss observations", depending on the context.

Is "compare notes" formal or informal?

"Compare notes" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "exchange information".

What does it mean to "compare notes" with someone?

To "compare notes" with someone means to share and discuss information or observations you have both gathered, usually to gain a better understanding or find common ground. It's similar to saying you're "sharing insights".