if we compare

USAGE SUMMARY

"if we compare" is correct and usable in written English.
It's a conjunction that introduces a comparison or contrast between two or more things. For example: "If we compare the way we use technology today to 50 years ago, we can see just how far we've come."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

> If we compare the distribution of reported nucleosome sizes (Fig. 5), both methods provide consistent results.

Bioinformatics

"It's not as if we compare social calendars," Hassan said.

The New Yorker

If we compare it with other programmes this is much better.

The Guardian

"I don't know whether it's necessarily low if we compare it with voter turnout more generally".

The Guardian

"If we compare with last season, we are missing everything," he concedes.

The Guardian - Sport

That's true, if we compare today with, say, 30 years ago.

The Guardian

"If we compare these two, you can easily imagine people will easily recognize hyperactivity," he said.

The Washington Post

The difference in abusive language is even larger if we compare only negative posts.

The Washington Post

Thus, if we compare two sites with the same number of edges.

Cornell University

But if we compare all industries, electronics, textile, toys, Foxconn is one of the best.

The New York Times

So what happens if we compare the "market share" (sales) figures from Kantar with the installed base figures from ComScore?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if we compare", clearly define the two or more subjects you are comparing to ensure your audience understands the basis of your analysis. For example, "If we compare the sales figures from Q1 to Q2, we can see a significant increase."

Common error

Avoid using "if we compare" without specifying what is being compared to what. For example, instead of saying "If we compare, the results are better", specify "If we compare the new method to the old method, the results are better."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we compare" functions as a conditional conjunction, introducing a scenario where a comparison is being made. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase sets the stage for analyzing similarities and differences between two or more entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if we compare" serves as a versatile conjunction phrase, commonly used to introduce comparative statements across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. As evidenced by the extensive examples, it is most prevalent in scientific and news-related content, though its neutral register ensures appropriateness in academia and beyond. For clear communication, be sure to specify exactly what you are comparing to what. For alternative phrasings, consider options like "compared with" or "in comparing" to add subtle variations to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared with

A direct and straightforward alternative to "if we compare".

in comparing

More concise, focusing on the act of comparison itself.

assuming we make a comparison

This is a more verbose and formal way of introducing a comparison, adding an element of assumption.

when making a comparison

This alternative focuses on the timing of comparison.

in contrast to

Highlights a distinct difference between the compared items.

on making a comparison

Focuses on the act of comparing rather than the conditional aspect.

by way of comparison

Introduces the comparison as an illustrative point.

in light of a comparison

This option introduces the comparison as a way to better understand a topic.

relative to

Implies a comparison against a specific baseline or standard.

assessed against

Suggests a formal evaluation in addition to the comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "if we compare" in a sentence?

Use "if we compare" to introduce a comparison between two or more items. For example, "If we compare /s/this+year's+results with last year's, we see a marked improvement."

What's a more formal alternative to "if we compare"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "on making a comparison" or "in light of a comparison" to introduce your comparative analysis.

What can I say instead of "if we compare"?

Alternatives include "compared with", "assessed against", or "in comparing", each subtly changing the emphasis of the comparison.

Is it necessary to always specify what I'm comparing when using "if we compare"?

Yes, for clarity, it is essential to specify the items being compared. Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating both subjects of the comparison.