compared to their neighbours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compared to their neighbours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a comparison between a subject and its neighboring entities, often in discussions about differences or similarities in various contexts. Example: "The economic growth of the country has been impressive compared to their neighbours, who are still recovering from the recession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For example, showing people how much energy they consume compared to their neighbours, then giving them personalised advice on how to use less, has emerged as a lightweight and profoundly effective energy-saving solution.

The Guardian

The study shows that affected households, compared to their neighbours, tended to be larger, poorer, and to have lower employment rates.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not compared to their Russian neighbours, with their overpaid nannies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Compared to their mesophilic neighbours, these species both have a significantly higher total frequency of IVYWREL amino acids (P < 1e-7).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Compared to their Nepali-speaking neighbours, Maithili-speaking communities tend to be poorer, less educated, and women have more restricted roles.

BMC Psychiatry

This is perhaps understandable if you remember that, compared to their Sunni Arab and Kurdish neighbours, the community had a relatively good deal under the Assads.

Vice

The third bin from the left is also very high compared to its neighbours.

The Guardian

In stark contrast to the noughties, the British economic model will be regularly compared to its neighbours – and found wanting.

The Guardian - Opinion

Compared to its neighbours, Bulgaria's public finances are in good shape and standard IMF funding does not seem necessary.

The Economist

This is a gap that mobile banking could fill, even though, compared to its neighbours, Ethiopia's mobile phone penetration is low due to a government monopoly.

The Guardian

It means Norway's official unemployment level – already struggling compared to its neighbours since the 2008 global crash – is artificially low.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "compared to their neighbours", ensure you are comparing like with like to maintain clarity and relevance. For instance, compare economic indicators of neighboring countries or energy consumption of adjacent households.

Common error

Be specific in your comparisons. Instead of vaguely stating that one entity is better "compared to their neighbours", specify the metric or aspect in which the comparison is being made to avoid ambiguity and strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared to their neighbours" serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a basis for comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly establishes a point of reference for evaluating a particular subject against its adjacent entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "compared to their neighbours" is a versatile tool for drawing comparisons, particularly in contexts where geographical proximity or shared environments are relevant. As validated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for a range of formal and informal communications. When using this phrase, ensure that your comparisons are specific and relevant to avoid overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "relative to their neighbors" or "in comparison with their neighbours" to add nuance to your writing. Given its frequency in news and scientific articles, this phrase is a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relative to their neighbors

Replaces "compared to" with "relative to", focusing on proportionality.

in comparison with their neighbors

Emphasizes a direct comparison using "in comparison with".

when contrasted with their neighbors

Highlights differences by using "when contrasted with".

in relation to their neighbors

Indicates a connection or association when using "in relation to".

versus their neighbors

Uses "versus" to directly oppose or compare.

as opposed to their neighbors

Emphasizes a distinction by using "as opposed to".

alongside their neighbors

Suggests a side-by-side assessment using "alongside".

vis-à-vis their neighbors

Uses a more formal expression, "vis-à-vis", to indicate a comparison.

considering their neighbors

Shifts the focus to taking neighbors into account.

weighing against their neighbors

Implies a careful consideration of differences using "weighing against".

FAQs

How can I use "compared to their neighbours" in a sentence?

Use "compared to their neighbours" to highlight differences or similarities between entities. For example, "The country's economic growth is substantial "compared to their neighbours", which are struggling with recession".

What's a more formal way to say "compared to their neighbours"?

A more formal alternative is "in comparison with their neighbours". This phrase is suitable for academic and professional contexts.

Is there a difference between "compared to their neighbours" and "in relation to their neighbours"?

"Compared to their neighbours" implies a direct comparison, while "in relation to their neighbours" suggests a connection or association. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What are some situations where I might use "compared to their neighbours"?

This phrase is useful when discussing demographics, economic performance, environmental impact, or social trends among neighboring communities or regions. For instance, "Energy consumption is lower "compared to their neighbours" due to the widespread adoption of solar panels".