compares with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compares with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a comparison between two or more items, highlighting similarities or differences. Example: "When she compares with her peers, she often finds that her skills are on par with theirs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That compares with 25 m.p.g.

The New York Times

This compares with just 36% in 2007.

The Economist

Nothing compares with it in Bath".

The New York Times

This compares with 2.5% of city children.

The Economist

That compares with 9,304 in 2010.

The New York Times

That compares with ¥20m at Toyota.

The Economist

That compares with 17.2 million in 2011.

The New York Times

This compares with 45% of American women.

The Economist

That compares with just $37 in Bangladesh.

The New York Times

That compares with analysts' forecasts of $1.51.

The New York Times

"Nowhere else compares with your hometown".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compares with", ensure you clearly state both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The new model compares with the previous version in terms of fuel efficiency."

Common error

Avoid using "compares to" when you mean to examine the differences or similarities between two distinct entities. Use "compares with" instead, which is specifically used for detailed comparisons. "Compares to" is best used when establishing a likeness or analogy, not for an analytical comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compares with" functions primarily as a prepositional verb phrase used to draw comparisons between two or more subjects. It signifies a detailed examination of similarities and/or differences. This is confirmed by Ludwig which identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compares with" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to establish comparisons between two or more subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely accepted and frequently employed across various contexts. While alternatives like "is comparable to" and "is analogous to" exist, "compares with" remains a strong choice for detailed analytical comparisons. It's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring clarity in the subjects being compared and avoiding confusion with the analogous usage of "compares to". The phrase's neutral register and high frequency make it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is comparable to

Focuses on the similarity between two things.

is analogous to

Emphasizes a resemblance in some particular way.

bears comparison to

Highlights the act of comparing and finding similarities or differences.

can be likened to

Suggests a resemblance that makes something seem similar to something else.

is on par with

Indicates equality in status or quality.

matches

Indicates an exact correspondence or similarity.

is equivalent to

Highlights functional or quantitative equality.

approximates to

Suggests a close but not exact resemblance.

measures up to

Implies a comparison against a standard or expectation.

equates to

Implies that two things are considered equal or equivalent.

FAQs

What's the difference between "compares with" and "compares to"?

"Compares with" is used to examine similarities and differences between two or more items, while "compares to" is used to assert a likeness or analogy. For example, you could say "This year's sales "compares with" last year's," or "Life "compares to" a box of chocolates."

How do I use "compares with" in a sentence?

Use "compares with" to show how two or more things are similar or different. For instance, "The performance of this engine "compares with" that of its predecessor."

What can I say instead of "compares with"?

You can use alternatives like "is comparable to", "is analogous to", or "bears comparison to" depending on the context.

Is "compares with" formal or informal?

"Compares with" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and everyday conversation.