for a comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

"for a comparison" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a comparison between two or more items. For example, "I watched both movies for a comparison of their themes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He paused, struggling for a comparison.

The New York Times

Check www.sidestep.com for a comparison of prices.

The New York Times - Travel

(See this video for a comparison).

The New Yorker

Mr. Kelman struggled for a comparison in the tangible world.

The New York Times

Asked for a comparison, the talkative Paulson suddenly was silent.

The New York Times - Sports

For a comparison of select pioneer aircraft, see below.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Click on the nearby table for a comparison).

The Economist

For a comparison, the city lost more than 600,000 jobs from 1969 to 1975.

The New York Times

Once again, check out prices online before you hit the shops: try mysupermarket.co.uk for a comparison.

The Guardian - Money

For a comparison, if one claps in Grand Central Station, it will take five seconds for the sound to dissipate.

The New York Times

Afterward, stop by the Berkeley Bowl Marketplace (2020 Oregon Street; 510-843-6929; www.berkeleybowl.com) for a comparison.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a comparison", ensure that what you are comparing is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Specify the elements being compared immediately after introducing the phrase.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "for a comparison" without clearly stating what is being compared. Always follow the phrase with a clear indication of the items or concepts you are contrasting or aligning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a comparison" functions as an introductory phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase that serves as an adverbial. It sets the stage for a comparison to be made, indicating the purpose of the subsequent statement. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a comparison" is a commonly used introductory phrase to signal an upcoming comparison. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting into a range of contexts from news articles to scientific papers. To maximize clarity, always specify the items being compared directly after using the phrase. Alternatives like "by comparison" or "in contrast" can provide stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your comparisons are both clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of comparison

Similar to the original phrase but adds an emphasis on the reason for making the comparison.

as a means of comparison

Positions the comparison as a tool or method for understanding.

as a point of comparison

Highlights that the comparison serves as a specific reference point.

by comparison

This alternative shortens the phrase while maintaining the core meaning of introducing a comparison.

in order to compare

This is a more verbose alternative explicitly stating the intent to compare.

to draw a comparison

Focuses on the action of making the comparison rather than the purpose.

by way of comparison

Offers a slightly more formal way to introduce a comparison.

in contrast

Focuses on highlighting the differences between items rather than a general comparison.

when compared to

Emphasizes the act of comparing as a condition for understanding the relationship.

relative to

Positions one item in relation to another for the purpose of comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "for a comparison" in a sentence?

Use "for a comparison" to introduce a point where you are comparing two or more things. For example, "For a comparison, the city lost more than 600,000 jobs from 1969 to 1975."

What's an alternative to using "for a comparison"?

Alternatives include "by comparison", "in contrast", or "when compared to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say 'in order to do a comparison' instead of "for a comparison"?

While both are grammatically correct, "for a comparison" is more concise and commonly used. 'In order to do a comparison' is more verbose and can be replaced by the simpler phrase.

When is it more appropriate to use "in contrast" instead of "for a comparison"?

"For a comparison" is a broader term used to introduce both similarities and differences. "In contrast" should be used specifically when highlighting differences between two subjects.