comparison to

USAGE SUMMARY

"comparison to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare one thing to another, as in the following example: My time running in the park is nothing in comparison to the times my mother ran during her marathon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have no comparison to work against".

The New Yorker

A comparison to Meryl Streep followed.

The New York Times

But that pales in comparison to this".

The New York Times

The comparison to this year is striking.

The New Yorker

He drew a comparison to Afghanistan.

The New Yorker

Comparison to Dickens is not unwarranted.

The New York Times - Books

The comparison to 1983, though, is not.

The New Yorker

In comparison to the I.M.F.

The New Yorker

Charlie the Tuna, in comparison to Beckett.

The New York Times - Sports

"There's no comparison to losing a sibling".

The New York Times

Others see a comparison to Sarajevo.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "comparison to", ensure that both items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify, "In comparison to the previous model, this new version offers enhanced features".

Common error

Avoid using "comparison to" when the intent is merely to relate two things without a direct comparison. For instance, instead of saying "This is relevant in comparison to the study," consider "This is relevant to the study" if you are not making a direct comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparison to" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a point of reference for evaluating something. As Ludwig AI shows, it often sets up a clause that details similarities or differences between two subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparison to" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to introduce a basis for evaluating something in relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While "compared to" is a direct synonym, nuances exist in other related phrases such as "in relation to" or "in contrast to". When using "comparison to", clarity is key to ensure the comparison is well-defined, avoiding potential ambiguity. This phrase serves as a valuable tool for writers seeking to provide context and facilitate understanding through relational analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to

This is the most direct and frequently used alternative, often interchangeable with "comparison to".

in comparison with

Similar to "by comparison with" but slightly more common.

by comparison with

A more formal way of saying "compared to", often used in academic or technical writing.

in relation to

This alternative emphasizes the relationship between two items rather than a direct comparison.

in contrast to

This highlights the differences between two items, focusing on their opposing qualities.

relative to

Indicates how something is judged or measured in relation to something else.

as opposed to

Similar to "in contrast to", it highlights a clear distinction or opposition.

versus

A concise way to indicate a direct opposition or comparison between two things.

juxtaposed with

Highlights the act of placing two things side by side for comparison, often revealing unexpected similarities or differences.

alongside

This phrase suggest a comparison by placing items next to each other.

FAQs

How to use "comparison to" in a sentence?

Use "comparison to" to highlight similarities or differences between two subjects. For example, "Her performance was stellar in comparison to her previous attempts."

What can I say instead of "comparison to"?

You can use alternatives like "compared to", "in relation to", or "in contrast to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "comparison to" or "compared to"?

Both "comparison to" and "compared to" are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Comparison to" is a prepositional phrase used to set up a comparison, while "compared to" is a past participle phrase used to describe something being compared.

When should I use "in comparison to" versus "compared to"?

"In comparison to" sets up the context for a comparison, while "compared to" directly states what is being compared. For example, "In comparison to last year, sales have increased", versus "Sales this year, compared to last year, show an increase".