compare with

USAGE SUMMARY

"compare with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "compare with" to compare two things or ideas. For example: "We will compare the sales figures from this year with those from last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing can compare with that.

Independent

Compare with haploid.

University of California, Berkeley

Compare with heterosporous.

University of California, Berkeley

Europe has nothing to compare with that.

The Economist

Compare to emphasises similarity; compare with dissimilarity.

The Economist

How does it compare with the Rose?

Independent

How does it compare with the Globe?

Independent

I can't compare with that.

The New York Times - Sports

(Compare with buckles, and cufflinks).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My pools don't compare with Hearst".

The New York Times - Arts

How does their approach compare with yours?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compare with", ensure you clearly define the criteria for comparison to provide meaningful insights.

Common error

Avoid using "compare to" when you mean "compare with". "Compare to" emphasizes similarity, while "compare with" examines both similarities and differences. Use "compare with" for a more comprehensive analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compare with" functions as a prepositional verb phrase, indicating the act of examining two or more entities to assess their similarities and differences. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compare with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to analyze the similarities and differences between subjects. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various writing styles, including academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. While "compare with" emphasizes a balanced analysis, it's important not to confuse it with "compare to", which stresses only the similarities. To broaden your writing toolkit, consider using alternatives like "contrast with" or "benchmark against" for nuanced expressions. The phrase's high frequency and diverse application make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a comparison with

A more verbose way of expressing the same concept.

contrast with

Focuses on highlighting the differences rather than similarities.

benchmark against

Suggests a comparison to a standard or point of reference.

draw a comparison to

Implies a more formal and analytical comparison.

juxtapose with

Emphasizes placing two things side-by-side for comparison.

weigh against

Suggests assessing the relative importance or value of two things.

match up with

Focuses on finding similarities or correspondences.

liken to

Suggests finding a resemblance or analogy.

balance against

Highlights a careful consideration of opposing forces or factors.

relate to

Indicates finding a connection or association.

FAQs

How do I use "compare with" in a sentence?

Use "compare with" to examine the similarities and differences between two or more items. For example, "We will compare with last year's results to evaluate the current performance."

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

"Compare to" emphasizes similarities, while "compare with" examines both similarities and differences. Use "compare to" to state that something is similar, and "compare with" for a more in-depth analysis.

What can I say instead of "compare with"?

You can use alternatives such as "contrast with", "benchmark against", or "draw a comparison to" depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it best to use "compare with"?

It's best to use "compare with" when you want to provide a detailed analysis that includes both the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This is common in academic, scientific, and analytical writing.