in comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in comparison" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "in comparison" when you want to compare two ideas or statements. For example: "This year's summer vacation was much more exciting than last year's; in comparison, last year's was very dull."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This recession pales in comparison.

The New Yorker

Mr McCain flailed in comparison.

The Economist

L.A. is boring in comparison".

The New York Times - Arts

It suffers in comparison.

The Guardian - Music

It paled in comparison.

The New York Times - Food

Plain old sunshine seems dull in comparison.

The Economist

But that pales in comparison to this".

The New York Times

"In comparison, the Reagan Administration coddled us.

The New Yorker

What can Nemorino offer in comparison?

The New York Times - Arts

Your own heartbreak will pale in comparison.

Independent

The current woes pale in comparison.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in comparison", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in comparison" without establishing a clear reference point. Always specify what you are comparing to what, to ensure clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in comparison" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used adverbially. It modifies a clause by providing a basis for evaluating or contrasting information. As seen in Ludwig, this phrase introduces a comparative element to the statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase "in comparison" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed tool for drawing parallels or contrasts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to provide context and enhance understanding by evaluating items in relation to one another. When wielding this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subjects of your comparison are well-defined. Alternatives like "compared to" or ""by comparison"" offer similar functionality. Remember, precision and clarity will help you master "in comparison".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by comparison

Slightly more concise, emphasizing a direct contrast.

compared to

A common and straightforward way to indicate a comparison.

in contrast

Highlights the differences between the items being compared.

relative to

Focuses on the proportional relationship between two things.

when compared with

A more formal and explicit way of stating a comparison.

juxtaposed with

Suggests placing two things side by side for the purpose of comparison.

vis-à-vis

A more formal term indicating a relationship or comparison.

on the other hand

Introduces a contrasting viewpoint or element for comparison.

considering

Indicates that something is being evaluated in relation to something else.

alongside

Implies a side-by-side consideration of two elements.

FAQs

How to use "in comparison" in a sentence?

Use "in comparison" to highlight the similarities or differences between two subjects. For instance, "This year's sales were higher; "by comparison", last year's were quite low."

What can I say instead of "in comparison"?

You can use alternatives like "compared to", ""by comparison"", or "in contrast", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "in comparison to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "in comparison to" is grammatically correct, but "in comparison with" is also acceptable. Both phrases serve the same purpose of drawing a comparison between two things.

What's the difference between "in comparison" and "in contrast"?

"In comparison" is a general term for pointing out similarities or differences, while "in contrast" specifically emphasizes the differences between the items being discussed.