compared to the last

USAGE SUMMARY

"compared to the last" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to make a comparison between two or more things, specifically the last one mentioned. Example: The new version of the phone is much faster compared to the last.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Glasgow Evening Times, owned by the Herald & Times Group, also had a tough time with sales down 7.5% compared to the last six months of 2012 and 14.6% compared to the same period last year.

The Guardian

"He is growing compared to the last game.

The Guardian - Sport

Still, Mr. Gephardt seems at ease on the campaign trail compared to the last time.

The New York Times

Compared to the last series in England, in 2001, the overall numbers had almost doubled.

The Guardian - Sport

"The process is relatively open compared to the last administration, which is great," Ms. Chaifetz said.

The New York Times

"This incident is nothing compared to the last couple of months," he said.

The New York Times

Consider for a moment how Trump's agenda is faring compared to the last President's.

The New Yorker

"This year's field is so horribly unaccomplished compared to the last few years".

The New York Times

"I don't see how anything is going to change, compared to the last two years".

The New York Times

"Compared to the last presidential election, this state has gone from intensive care to walking on crutches," said Ohio's top elections official, the secretary of state, Jennifer Brunner.

The New York Times

Bloomberg has measured average annual investment in renewables to be almost twice as high in this parliament compared to the last.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compared to the last", ensure you clearly define what 'the last' refers to in your context to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'compared to the last quarter' or 'compared to the last version'.

Common error

Avoid using "compared to the last" without specifying what is being compared. Ensure the subject of comparison is clear. For instance, instead of saying 'Sales are higher compared to the last', specify 'Sales this quarter are higher compared to the last quarter'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to the last" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used for making comparisons. Ludwig examples show this phrase connecting two distinct entities to highlight their differences or similarities. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compared to the last" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons between a current state and a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It commonly appears in news and media, scientific reports, and wiki articles, reflecting its neutral register. Ensure clarity by specifying what 'the last' refers to. Related phrases include "in comparison to the last" and "relative to the last". Its communicative purpose is to highlight differences or similarities, providing context and measuring progress or change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in comparison to the last

Simply replaces 'compared' with 'in comparison', maintaining the same structure and meaning.

by comparison with the last

Indicates that the comparison is the method being used to evaluate the subject in relation to the last.

relative to the last

Substitutes 'compared' with 'relative', focusing on the relationship or proportion to the last.

when compared with the last

Adds a conditional element, specifying that the comparison is being actively made to the last.

as opposed to the last

Highlights a contrast or opposition in relation to the last.

in contrast with the last

Emphasizes the differences or dissimilarities compared to the last.

measured against the last

Suggests a more formal or quantitative comparison to the last.

assessed against the last

Implies that the subject is being evaluated or judged in relation to the last.

differing from the last

Focuses specifically on the ways in which the subject deviates or is distinct from the last.

unlike the last

Highlights the ways in which the subject is different from the last, without directly using 'compare'.

FAQs

How can I use "compared to the last" in a sentence?

You can use "compared to the last" to show differences or improvements over a previous item or period. For example: 'The new model is more efficient "compared to the last" one'.

What phrases are similar to "compared to the last"?

Similar phrases include "in comparison to the last", "relative to the last", or "as opposed to the last", which all serve to highlight a difference or similarity with something prior.

Is it always necessary to specify what 'the last' refers to when using "compared to the last"?

Yes, for clarity, it's best practice to specify what "the last" refers to—such as 'the last version', 'the last quarter', or 'the last time'—to avoid ambiguity and ensure the comparison is easily understood.

Can "compared to the last" be used to describe both improvements and declines?

Yes, "compared to the last" can describe either positive or negative changes. For example: 'Profits are up "compared to the last" quarter' (improvement) or 'Performance declined "compared to the last" test' (decline).