compared to anything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compared to anything" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison between two or more things, emphasizing that the subject is being evaluated against all possible alternatives. Example: "This new smartphone is superior compared to anything else on the market right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is recklessly free compared to anything else on view.

The New York Times - Arts

"Nothing I was doing compared to anything that was in that room.

The New York Times - Sports

"If that's what they call race being injected, that is tame compared to anything I've seen before," Mr. Towery said.

The New York Times

It's efficiently done, but to call it jazz is ridiculous, compared to anything by, say, Tina May or Claire Martin.

The Guardian - Music

Much as I despise Max sometimes, he and I are soul mates compared to anything I feel for Dewey.

The New Yorker

But it's not a joke compared to anything else on Indian sports television, and that's all we're going up against".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I don't think we compare to anything else, really.

The Guardian

"At Explore he can't compare to anything," she said.

The New York Times

Active Luton chief executive Helen Barnet says: "The skills and enthusiasm on show compares to anything you would see on Match of the Day.

BBC

It doesn't compare to anything else I've won in my life".

Huffington Post

With the label and the night together, the Swing Ting crew have crafted an identity that's difficult to compare to anything else around at the moment.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compared to anything" to emphasize a significant difference or unique quality when evaluating options.

Common error

Avoid using "compared to anything" for basic comparisons. It is best reserved for situations where you want to highlight a substantial disparity or unique characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to anything" functions as a comparative modifier, highlighting the extent or degree of a characteristic relative to all possible alternatives. It serves to emphasize the significance of the comparison. Ludwig provides numerous examples to support this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compared to anything" is a comparative phrase used to emphasize the extent or uniqueness of something when contrasted against all other possibilities. Ludwig's examples indicate its common usage in news and media contexts, highlighting significant differences. It's grammatically sound and best used to showcase substantial disparities rather than simple comparisons. The related phrases offer nuanced alternatives to express various aspects of comparison.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared with all alternatives

Directly mirrors the original phrase but uses "alternatives" instead of "anything".

in relation to everything else

Slightly more descriptive and less direct.

in comparison to all things

Slightly more formal and philosophical in tone.

in contrast to everything

Emphasizes a stark difference rather than a general comparison.

when weighed against everything

Emphasizes a careful evaluation or assessment.

as opposed to all else

Highlights a clear opposition, making it a stronger contrast.

assessed against all others

Highlights a formal evaluation process.

relative to other options

Focuses on a broader set of choices in relation.

considering all other possibilities

Focuses on the range of options being considered.

alongside all known elements

Suggests a comprehensive overview of all available information.

FAQs

How do I use "compared to anything" in a sentence?

Use "compared to anything" to emphasize that something is being evaluated against all possible alternatives. For example: "This new innovation is groundbreaking "compared to anything" currently available."

What phrases can I use instead of "compared to anything"?

Alternatives include "in contrast to everything", "as opposed to all else", or "relative to other options", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "compared to anything"?

While grammatically correct, "compared to anything" is best used when you want to highlight a significant difference or unique quality. Simpler comparisons might benefit from more straightforward phrasing.

What is the difference between "compared to anything" and "compared with anything"?

The phrases "compared to anything" and "compared with anything" are largely interchangeable. Both are used to make comparisons, but "compared to" is generally more common in informal contexts.