compare this to

USAGE SUMMARY

"compare this to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to draw a comparison between two different things. For example: "Compare this to the way it was ten years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But compare this to a concert tour.

The New York Times

Midwives compare this to stillbirth.

The Guardian

Compare this to the German situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

To compare this to "swiftboating" is inaccurate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Compare this to the fundamentally interactive kitchen.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To compare this to Tuskegee makes no sense".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

You were comparing this to an embed.

The New York Times

Feynman compared this to playing Russian roulette.

The New York Times

He compares this to Downtown Abbey.

The Guardian

He then compared this to their grades.

The New York Times

He compares this to a "fan supporting the home team".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compare this to" to introduce an analogy that simplifies a complex subject by relating it to something more familiar.

Common error

Ensure the subject of your comparison is clear. Avoid using "compare this to" without specifying what "this" refers to, as this can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compare this to" functions as a transitive verb phrase introducing a comparison between two distinct subjects. It prompts the listener or reader to consider similarities and/or differences. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts to facilitate understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compare this to" is a versatile tool for drawing comparisons across various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as a transitive verb phrase, serving the purpose of establishing a basis for understanding or evaluation. With a neutral register, it is suitable for both formal and informal settings. While predominantly found in "News & Media", it also appears in "Academia" and "Formal & Business" contexts. To maximize clarity, specify the subjects of comparison and what attributes you are evaluating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a comparison to

A more formal and direct way of expressing the act of comparing.

contrast this with

Focuses on highlighting the differences rather than similarities.

liken this to

Suggests finding similarities or analogies, often implying a figurative comparison.

draw a parallel with

Emphasizes the act of finding connections or similarities between two things.

consider this alongside

Suggests evaluating something together with something else.

view this in relation to

Highlights the act of examining something within the context of something else.

balance this against

Implies weighing the merits or drawbacks of two different things.

set this against

Emphasizes the juxtaposition of two things, often to highlight differences.

matching this to

Highlights the act of aligning or finding correspondences between two things.

analogize this to

Suggests a more complex or theoretical comparison, drawing parallels between abstract concepts.

FAQs

How to use "compare this to" in a sentence?

Use "compare this to" to draw parallels or contrasts between two subjects. For example, "Compare this new model to the previous version to see the improvements."

What can I say instead of "compare this to"?

You can use alternatives like "contrast this with", "liken this to", or "make a comparison to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "compared to" instead of "compare this to"?

Yes, "compared to" is a valid alternative, but it often serves as a participial adjective at the beginning of a sentence or clause, while "compare this to" is an imperative or indicative phrase used to introduce a comparison.

What's the difference between "compare this to" and "contrast this with"?

"Compare this to" is a general phrase for pointing out similarities and differences, whereas "contrast this with" specifically emphasizes the differences between two things.