compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

"compared to" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to reference how two or more things are different or similar. For example, "My hometown has much warmer weather compared to where I currently live."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Compared to Liverpool?

Independent

"Compared to them".

The New Yorker

It's peanuts compared to China".

The New Yorker

Compared to hockey, it's inexpensive".

The New York Times - Sports

compared to Roddick's 65 m.p.h.

The New York Times

"Compared to what?" he replied.

The New Yorker

Real compared to what?

The New Yorker

But compared to today?

The New York Times - Arts

Compared to last year?

The New York Times

"Compared to other nations?

The Guardian - Sport

But compared to what?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain parallel structure when comparing items. For example, use nouns to compare nouns, and verbs to compare verbs.

Common error

Ensure that you're comparing like with like. For instance, don't compare the cost of a car to the feeling of driving it; instead, compare the cost of a car to the cost of another car or the feeling of driving it to the feeling of riding a bike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a point of reference for evaluating similarities or differences between two subjects. Ludwig confirms that the phrase follows standard English grammar, making it suitable for comparisons across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compared to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons between different entities, highlighting both similarities and differences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance across diverse registers, including news, scientific, and general writing. While alternatives like "in comparison to" or "relative to" may suit more formal contexts, "compared to" remains a reliable choice for clear and effective communication. Remember to maintain logical consistency in your comparisons to avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparison to

Replaces "compared to" while maintaining the same comparative function, offering a slightly more formal tone.

relative to

Indicates a comparison by showing how something relates to something else, emphasizing proportionality.

by comparison with

Similar to "compared to", but may imply a more detailed or systematic analysis of the differences.

when weighed against

Suggests a careful consideration of the merits and demerits of two options, implying a judgmental comparison.

in relation to

Focuses on the connection between two things, highlighting how they affect each other.

as opposed to

Emphasizes a contrast between two things, showing clear opposition or distinction.

if you compare with

Explicitly frames the statement as a comparison, inviting the listener or reader to draw their own conclusions.

juxtaposed with

Places two things side by side to allow for a comparison, often revealing unexpected similarities or differences.

versus

A direct and concise way to indicate opposition or competition, often used in formal or legal contexts.

set against

Positions one thing in opposition to another, often to highlight its superior qualities.

FAQs

How is "compared to" different from "compared with"?

While both phrases are largely interchangeable, "compared to" is often used to highlight similarities, while "compared with" may be used to emphasize differences. However, this distinction is not a strict rule, and usage often depends on context and personal preference.

What are some alternatives to "compared to" for formal writing?

For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "in comparison to", "relative to", or "by comparison with". These options often lend a more academic or professional tone.

Can "compared to" be used to show both similarities and differences?

Yes, "compared to" can be used to highlight both similarities and differences. The specific context of the sentence will usually clarify whether the comparison is intended to emphasize likeness or disparity.

Is it incorrect to use "compared to" instead of "compared with"?

No, it is not generally considered incorrect. Although some style guides express a preference for "compared with" when emphasizing differences, "compared to" is widely accepted and understood in most contexts.