draw a comparison between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draw a comparison between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to highlight similarities or differences between two or more subjects. Example: "In her essay, she aims to draw a comparison between the themes of love in Shakespeare's works and those in modern literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Hoffmann goes on to draw a comparison between pre-WWII and post-WWII urban experiences.

University of California, Berkeley

According to the rules, submissions were meant to draw "a comparison between Quiznos and Subway with Quiznos being superior".

The New York Times

The other objective of our study is to draw a comparison between tapering-and rectangular-shaped cantilevers.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Simply put, a metaphor is a direct substitution of one concept or object for another, with the goal to draw a comparison between the two concepts or objects.

Britannica

(O.K., to draw a comparison between baseball and class loyalties is a juvenile conceit. Some of my best friends are Yankee fans. But humor me).

The New York Times

It was an obvious, and mean spirited, attempt to draw a comparison between Mr Browne's appearance and Shakespeare's libellous portrayal of the Yorkist king.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

King also drew a comparison between Meyer and Perry Mason mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner.

The Guardian - Books

The opposition leader also drew a comparison between cycling and his political philosophy.

The Guardian

("Concussion," at several points, draws a comparison between the N.F.L. and Big Tobacco).

The New Yorker

Representative Mike Pompeo, Republican of Kansas, drew a comparison between Mrs. Clinton's emails and Watergate.

The New York Times

The final study draws a comparison between entrepreneurship and technology adoption.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "draw a comparison between", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid "drawing a comparison between" unrelated subjects simply because of superficial similarities. Focus on meaningful connections that offer valuable insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draw a comparison between" functions as a verb phrase used to introduce the act of comparing two or more distinct entities. It sets the stage for an analysis of similarities and/or differences. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "draw a comparison between" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce a comparative analysis. As Ludwig confirms, it serves to highlight relationships or distinctions between two or more subjects across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives such as "make a comparison of" exist, "draw a comparison between" remains a clear and effective choice for writers aiming to facilitate understanding through comparative analysis. Consider the subjects being compared to ensure meaningful insights and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a comparison of

Uses "make" instead of "draw", resulting in a slight variation in phrasing, but maintains similar meaning.

compare and contrast

Implies examining both similarities and differences, making it a slightly more specific comparison.

juxtapose

Suggests placing two things side by side, often to highlight their differences or similarities.

draw parallels between

Focuses specifically on identifying similarities or analogies.

contrast

Highlights differences between items, offering a reciprocal meaning.

equate

Implies establishing an equality or direct relationship.

collate

Suggests gathering and comparing information.

weigh up

Involves assessing the relative importance of different factors.

set side by side

Focuses on the act of physical or conceptual placement for comparison.

balance against

Implies weighing pros and cons in a comparative assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "draw a comparison between" in a sentence?

You can use "draw a comparison between" to highlight similarities or differences between two or more subjects. For example, "The author seeks to draw a comparison between the economic policies of the two countries."

What are some alternatives to "draw a comparison between"?

Alternatives include "make a comparison of", "compare and contrast", or "juxtapose" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "draw a comparison between" or "make a comparison between"?

Both "draw a comparison between" and "make a comparison of" are grammatically correct and widely accepted. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.

What is the difference between "draw a comparison between" and "draw a contrast between"?

"Draw a comparison between" generally refers to highlighting both similarities and differences, while "draw a contrast between" focuses specifically on pointing out the differences.