compared with that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compared with that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to contrast or compare two previously discussed items. For example, "I find French cuisine to be too rich, compared with that, I much prefer the light flavors of Italian cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year's number pales compared with that.

The New York Times

What's a hug compared with that?

The New Yorker

Compared with that, Ant-Man is Hamlet.

The Guardian

Compared with that, Bale and Worthington are just no contest.

The Guardian - Film

Sorenstam's frustration was minor compared with that of other players.

The New York Times - Sports

Compared with that, Keys and Gray's show is pedestrian.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Compared with that, Monday's announcement represents a significant improvement.

The Washington Post

Its accuracy was compared with that of 20 pediatricians.

MIT Technology Review

His journey was nothing compared with that of his sister's.

The New York Times - Sports

Compared with that, I'd rather scroll to hell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Metallic Wealth of the United States [microform]: Described and Compared with that of Other Countries.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compared with that" to clearly establish a relationship of contrast or similarity between two distinct subjects. Ensure that the context makes clear what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "compared with that" if the context doesn't clearly establish what "that" refers to. Ensure clarity by specifying the item you are comparing against, or rephrasing to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compared with that" serves as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison between two entities. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used to contrast one thing against another. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to contrast or compare two previously discussed items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compared with that" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons, primarily contrasts, between two subjects. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and finds common usage across varied contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While perfectly acceptable in formal registers, its prevalence in news sources suggests a broad suitability. When using the phrase, ensure the antecedent of "that" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrases's widespread use and grammatical correctness, ensuring it is a reliable choice for expressing comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to that

A shorter, more informal variant of the original phrase.

in comparison to that

This alternative uses a slightly more formal tone by using "in comparison to".

in contrast with that

Similar to "as opposed to that", it emphasizes the difference between two things.

by comparison with that

This option highlights the act of comparing, useful when emphasizing the contrast.

relative to that

This emphasizes the relationship or proportion between the current subject and the previous one.

as opposed to that

This alternative highlights a direct contrast or opposition with the previous point.

when contrasted with that

This explicitly points out differences, making it ideal for highlighting disparities.

measured against that

This suggests a standard or benchmark that the current subject is being evaluated against.

juxtaposed with that

A more literary term suggesting a side-by-side placement for comparison, often highlighting unexpected similarities or differences.

considering that

While not a direct comparison, this phrase introduces a factor to be taken into account when evaluating something.

FAQs

How can I use "compared with that" in a sentence?

Use "compared with that" to draw a comparison with something previously mentioned. For example, "The initial investment was substantial; "compared with that", the ongoing costs are minimal."

What phrases are similar to "compared with that"?

Alternatives include "in comparison to that", "relative to that", or "in contrast to that". Each option offers a slightly different nuance in expressing the comparison.

Is "compared to that" the same as "compared with that"?

While often used interchangeably, "compared to that" is generally considered less formal. "Compared with that" is typically preferred in more formal writing, although both are widely acceptable.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "compared with that"?

Ensure that the referent of "that" is clear and unambiguous. If there's any potential for confusion, restate the comparison explicitly rather than relying on the pronoun.