compare to the number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compare to the number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the relationship or difference between two quantities or figures. Example: "When we compare to the number of participants last year, this year's turnout has significantly increased."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Assuming that all side chains observed in NR conformation in the Apo form underwent considerable movements upon binding, we can place an upper bound on the number of residues in NR conformations undergoing large rotations and compare to the number of residues in rotameric states undergoing equally large rotations.

Bioinformatics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"But it's a pretty low rate compared to the number of transactions we handle".

The New York Times

Overall, the relative number of incidents compared to the number of patients we treated in this time – about 250,000 – was very small".

The Guardian

So the number of people paying for the welfare state keeps diminishing compared to the number of people getting paid.

The Guardian

Compliance was measured every 3 months by counting the returned unused capsules, and compared to the number of capsules prescribed.

Nature

The market for solar thermal collectors is small compared to the number of collector manufacturers.

World Renewable Energy Congress VI Renewables: The Energy for the 21st Century World Renewable Energy Congress VI 1–7 July 2000 Brighton, UK

The "relative fatality risk" for different modes of transport - with zero signifying no risk - is worked out according to the number of deaths compared to the number of people using each mode.

The Guardian

The number of incident reports was compared to the number of imaging studies performed during that time period to calculate an incident report rate for each factor.

Stanford University

Cuzick, head of the Centre for Cancer Prevention at QMUL, said the number of breast cancer deaths was still small compared to the number of cases.

The Guardian

"The pile of options is large, but it's infinitely small compared to the number of ways you can get from L.A. to Frankfurt".

The New York Times - Travel

Outside the E.R., he described the myriad non-life-threatening complaints he encountered during a typical shift, compared to the number of trauma cases.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compare to the number of", ensure that both quantities being compared are clearly defined and relevant to the context. This ensures that the comparison is meaningful and adds value to your writing.

Common error

Avoid comparing unrelated quantities. Ensure that the numbers being compared have a logical connection, such as comparing the number of successes to the number of attempts within the same project, not to the attempts in a completely different field. This ensures that your comparison provides a valuable insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compare to the number of" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a comparison. It sets up a relationship between two quantities, indicating that one quantity is being evaluated in relation to the other. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compare to the number of" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to establish a relationship between two quantities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for various contexts, including science, news, and academic writing. To ensure clarity, always define the quantities being compared and maintain logical connections between them. While alternatives like "in relation to the quantity of" exist, the original phrase remains a versatile and widely accepted choice. The phrase is used to express a difference between two sets of numbers and to emphasize which one is greater. This phrase is neutral in register and can therefore be used in most contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparison to the quantity of

Replaces "number" with "quantity" and uses "in comparison to" for a slightly more formal tone.

relative to the amount of

Substitutes "compare" with "relative" and "number" with "amount", focusing on proportionality.

when contrasted with the total of

Emphasizes the act of contrasting and uses "total" instead of "number".

assessed against the aggregate of

A more formal and analytical alternative, suitable for academic or scientific contexts.

evaluated alongside the sum of

Implies a side-by-side evaluation, using "sum" to represent the total.

juxtaposed with the count of

Highlights the act of placing two numbers side by side for comparison, replacing "number" with "count".

weighed against the figure of

Suggests a careful consideration of the numbers involved, using "figure" as a synonym for "number".

compared with the tally of

Replaces "number" with "tally", implying a counted total.

in relation to the size of

Focuses on the scale or magnitude of the quantity being compared.

measured in terms of the extent of

A more abstract alternative, emphasizing the degree or scope of the quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "compare to the number of" in a sentence?

You can use "compare to the number of" to show a relationship between two quantities. For example, "The number of applicants this year is significantly higher "compared to the number of" applicants last year."

What are some alternatives to "compare to the number of"?

Alternatives include "in relation to the quantity of", "relative to the amount of", or "when contrasted with the total of". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your context.

Is it better to use "compared to" or "in comparison to"?

"Compared to" is generally more concise and direct, while "in comparison to" can add a touch of formality. Both are grammatically correct, but consider the overall tone of your writing when choosing between them.

How does "compared to the number of" differ from "compared with the number of"?

While both are acceptable, "compared to" is often used when highlighting similarities or equivalencies, and "compared with" is used to emphasize differences or distinctions. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.