dare to compare

USAGE SUMMARY

"dare to compare" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of situations, such as when encouraging someone to make a comparison or when challenging someone to compare two things. For example, you could use it in the sentence "Dare to compare the two solutions and decide which one is more effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Jamie Dixon, the first-year Pitt coach, who replaced Ben Howland, said: "I wouldn't ever dare to compare the two.

The New York Times - Sports

There were some blondes a bit younger, some brunettes a tad thinner, and a knockout or two I didn't dare to compare myself with.

The New York Times

Kmart has removed "Dare to Compare" price promotions from its stores after a rival, Target, had filed a lawsuit accusing Kmart of lying to consumers with the advertising.

The New York Times

In its "Dare to Compare" campaign, Kmart uses signs inside its stores to promote its prices on different products and to compare Kmart's prices with those at other retailers, including Target.

The New York Times

That's why one of the few persons to whom I dare to compare you to is Marek Edelman (1919-2009), a Jewish-Polish political and social activist who was the last surviving leader of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.

The Guardian

For a black man who grew up under apartheid, it is unimaginable to even dare to compare: I grew up with stories of my father and my brother being arrested or harassed because they were in a "white area".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Automobile magazine dared to compare it with a $25,000 Hyundai XG 350.

The New York Times

Last summer, at a "Harry Potter" convention in Toronto, a fan named Steve Vander Ark made a similar mistake when he dared to compare himself to Joanne J. KK).

The New Yorker

In the middle of the war, he dared to compare the typical American orchestra to "a Panzer division on the march".

The New Yorker

After the success of "The Sixth Sense," he criticized Disney executives, dared to compare his talent to Steven Spielberg's and Alfred Hitchcock's and has steadfastly asserted his reputation as an outsider by refusing to move from Philadelphia to Hollywood.

The New York Times

He's particularly offended by her Ph.D. thesis on the stigma once attached to "unmarried mothers," enraged that she dares to compare their social condemnation to the persecution of gay men who were ­ ostracized, attacked, killed".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dare to compare" when you want to challenge someone to evaluate the merits of different options or ideas. This phrasing can add a sense of boldness or confidence to your suggestion.

Common error

Avoid using "dare to compare" in situations where a comparison might be insensitive or offensive. The phrase carries a confrontational tone, which may not be suitable for delicate or personal matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dare to compare" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to make a comparison. It carries a tone of challenge and confidence. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dare to compare" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to challenge or invite a comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While carrying a tone of confidence, it's important to use it judiciously, especially avoiding sensitive or offensive comparisons. Alternatives like "invite comparison" or "challenge a comparison" offer nuanced substitutes. When employing "dare to compare", ensure the context warrants the bold invitation to evaluate differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenge a comparison

Replaces "dare to" with a more direct verb, "challenge", to indicate the act of prompting a comparison.

invite comparison

Uses "invite" to soften the challenge while still suggesting a comparison is warranted.

encourage a contrast

Focuses on highlighting differences by using "contrast" instead of a general comparison.

make a comparison

A more neutral instruction to perform a comparison without the element of daring or challenge.

assess the differences

Shifts the focus to evaluating disparities between items being examined.

evaluate side by side

Implies a direct, simultaneous comparison to highlight similarities and differences.

weigh against each other

Suggests a careful and considered evaluation of competing aspects.

put to the test of comparison

More formal, indicating a rigorous comparison to determine strengths and weaknesses.

venture a comparison

Indicates a more hesitant or cautious approach to making a comparison.

consider in relation

Emphasizes the act of thinking about the relationship between two or more items.

FAQs

How can I use "dare to compare" in a sentence?

You can use "dare to compare" to challenge someone to evaluate the merits of different options, as in: "I "dare to compare" our proposal to the competitor's, and I'm confident ours will win."

What are some alternatives to "dare to compare"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "invite comparison", "challenge a comparison", or "consider in relation".

When is it inappropriate to use "dare to compare"?

It's best to avoid using "dare to compare" in sensitive situations where comparisons might be hurtful or disrespectful. For example, comparing personal qualities or tragic events could be inappropriate.

What is the tone of "dare to compare"?

The phrase "dare to compare" has a tone of challenge and confidence. It suggests a bold invitation to evaluate and contrast different options or viewpoints.