compared to doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compared to doing" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to compare two different forms of action, with the one being referred to as "doing". For example, "Studying for a few hours every day is better compared to doing nothing at all".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Joining Islamic State was also being compared to doing the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, she said.

The Guardian

Ms. White said, "The bugs are actually easy for me, compared to doing a play where I'm not saying" a profanity that cannot be printed.

The New York Times

Chris Huhne, energy and climate secretary, tried valiantly to explain how the coalition government's policies would keep bills lower, compared to doing nothing.

The Guardian

"By even asking whether people are making the right choices about where they go to university and what they will study, we are making a value judgment on them going to university compared to doing something else".

The Guardian

He has the energy to carry all three off, observing that the punishing schedule is "nothing compared to doing One Man, Two Guvnors [on stage] eight times a week for 496 shows".

The Guardian

And it can't be compared to doing two hours in 'These Old Broads.' " If Ms. Collins made her career playing fairy-tale roles that broke ground for their portrayal of women as assertive if not utterly dominating, her new role is more mundane but perhaps more inspiring.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Figure 4b shows that QM-EBRP delivers bundles up to 25%% quicker as compared to DO.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Compared to: don't do it and stop thinking about it=Increased energy+Decrease in those thoughts+you feel good.

WikiHow

Calculations are compared to experime done on the system styrene-acrylonitrile.

Chemical Engineering Science

The difference between these two groups was saying "I can't" compared to "I don't".

Huffington Post

"It is just all new terminology — things they do compared to what we did at U.S.C. or Miami.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compared to doing", ensure that both actions being compared are grammatically parallel. For example: "Exercising regularly is more effective compared to doing so sporadically".

Common error

Avoid using "compared to doing" when the second part of the comparison is not an action. For instance, avoid saying "He is tall compared to doing". Instead, compare actions to actions and states to states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to doing" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a point of comparison, contrasting one action or activity with another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compared to doing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to draw comparisons between different actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase. It commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting its broad applicability across various registers. When employing this phrase, ensure grammatical parallelism to maintain clarity and avoid misuse with non-action elements. Remember that related phrases like "as opposed to doing" or "instead of doing" offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared with doing

A simple variation, using "with" instead of "to".

as opposed to doing

Replaces "compared to" with "as opposed to", emphasizing contrast rather than direct comparison.

instead of doing

Focuses on substitution; doing one action rather than another.

rather than doing

Similar to "instead of doing", emphasizing a preference or choice.

in contrast to doing

Highlights a stark difference between two actions.

versus doing

A more concise way to indicate a comparison or opposition.

when weighed against doing

Implies a careful consideration of the merits of two actions.

by comparison with doing

Emphasizes the act of comparing one action against another.

relative to doing

Indicates a comparison in terms of degree or proportion.

against doing

Implies a judgment or evaluation when placed next to a verb.

FAQs

How can I use "compared to doing" in a sentence?

Use "compared to doing" to contrast one action against another. For example, "Investing in education is beneficial compared to doing nothing for your future".

What are some alternatives to "compared to doing"?

Alternatives include "as opposed to doing", "instead of doing", or "rather than doing", each subtly shifting the emphasis of the comparison.

Is it correct to say "compared with doing" instead of "compared to doing"?

Yes, "compared with doing" is also correct and often interchangeable with "compared to doing". Both are grammatically sound.

What's the difference between "compared to doing" and "relative to doing"?

"Compared to doing" offers a general comparison, while "relative to doing" implies a comparison in terms of proportion or degree.