how does it compare to

USAGE SUMMARY

"how does it compare to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to make a comparison between two things. For example, "How does this new car model compare to the previous one?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How does it compare to previous series?

Independent

How does it compare to Lungs?

The Guardian - Music

How does it compare to Scrooged?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How does it compare to other energy sources?

The Guardian

How does it compare to the world's highest observation decks?

The Guardian

Really, though, how does it compare to other musicals?

The Guardian

How does it compare to in-person service?

The New York Times

How does it compare to Brazil in 1958?

The Guardian - Sport

How does it compare to the same day last year?

The Guardian - Opinion

How does it compare to ABC's seventies theme?

The New Yorker

How does it compare to other "folk" styles of dance?

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how does it compare to" when you want to present a balanced view of similarities and differences. If you are only interested in the differences, consider using "how does it differ from".

Common error

Avoid using "how does it compare to" without specifying the criteria for comparison. A statement like "How does it compare to others?" is too broad. Instead, specify the attributes you are comparing, such as "How does it compare to other smartphones in terms of battery life and camera quality?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how does it compare to" functions as an interrogative expression used to elicit a comparison between two or more subjects. It prompts for an analysis of similarities and differences. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how does it compare to" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to solicit a comparison between two or more items. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academic and Science contexts, it serves to highlight both similarities and differences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in various registers, offering several alternatives for nuanced expression. Therefore, when you need to evaluate relative merits or characteristics, "how does it compare to" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how does its performance compare with

Specifies the comparison to be based on performance metrics.

how does it stack up against

Replaces "compare" with "stack up against", implying a competitive comparison.

how does it measure up to

Similar to "stack up against", suggesting an evaluation against a standard.

what is the difference between it and

Focuses on the differences rather than a general comparison.

how does it hold up to

Implies an assessment of durability or resilience when contrasted with something else.

how does it fare against

Emphasizes the outcome or success when compared to another option.

what are its advantages over

Directly asks about the benefits it offers compared to something else.

how can it be contrasted with

Highlights the contrasting aspects rather than a general comparison.

in what ways is it similar to

Shifts the focus to similarities instead of overall comparison.

what are the similarities and differences between it and

Asks for both similarities and differences, providing a more comprehensive analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "how does it compare to" in a sentence?

Use "how does it compare to" when you want to ask about the similarities and differences between two subjects. For example: "How does this new software compare to the older version?".

What's the difference between "how does it compare to" and "how does it differ from"?

"How does it compare to" inquires about both similarities and differences, while "how does it differ from" focuses solely on the distinctions between two subjects. Choose the phrase that aligns with the specific information you are seeking.

What are some alternatives to "how does it compare to"?

You can use phrases like "how does it stack up against", "how does it measure up to", or "what is the difference between it and", depending on the context.

Is "how does it compare with" grammatically correct?

Yes, "how does it compare with" is grammatically correct and interchangeable with "how does it compare to". Both phrases are commonly used to inquire about similarities and differences.