in comparison with the last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in comparison with the last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing differences or similarities between two or more items, particularly when one is being compared to the most recent one in a series. Example: "The results of this survey show a significant improvement in customer satisfaction in comparison with the last survey conducted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In comparison with the last comprehensive review of literature on reliability and validity conducted over a decade ago [ 4], few data quality differences were noted.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

In this paper, the GCR exposure outside and inside the Earth's magnetosphere is numerically calculated for time periods starting from 1970 to the end of 2011 in order to investigate the increase in dose levels during the years 2008 2010 in comparison with the last three solar minima.

Advances in Space Research

According to Alexei Evangulov, the sometimes outspoken Russian performance director of British Diving, "in comparison with the last Olympic quadrennial, the team is much better prepared.

The Guardian - Sport

"Tensions and debates within Whitehall are not unusual; the fact is that we are pussycats in comparison with the last government if you remember the battles between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown," he said.

The Guardian

The suitable sites according to the results were allocated in undesirable sites and non-permissible zones for residential development in comparison with the last master plan.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

The other chemical constituents and haematological evaluations are unremarkable, except for a rise in the number of neutrophils, which has tripled in comparison with the last examination.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

NOT long ago, I wrote that New York's last World's Fair, in 1964-65, paled in comparison with the 1939 version, but at least "did expose Michelangelo's 'Pietà' to millions and popularized the Belgian waffle".

The New York Times

"In comparison with the 2006 elections, these elections are going forward practically without repression," said Aleksandr Milinkevich, whose experience as a candidate in the last presidential elections was far more punishing.

The New York Times

Recent currency fluctuations on the rouble and the euro have affected the dollar take, especially in comparison with the last two instalments.

The Guardian - Film

And while many exhibitors talked about fielding more queries, receiving more job leads and a growing sense of optimism this year — particularly in comparison with the last two years — just as many are waiting to see that optimism translate into more work.

The New York Times

And, in comparison with the 2005 results, few people had extravagant expectations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "in comparison with the last", ensure that there is a clear reference point for what "last" refers to. Make sure the context provides enough information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using "in comparison with the last" without clearly specifying what the 'last' item is. To avoid confusion, ensure the subject of comparison is explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text. For example, instead of "The results improved in comparison with the last," specify: "The Q2 results improved in comparison with the last quarter's results."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in comparison with the last" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison. It sets the stage for evaluating something in relation to its most recent counterpart. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in comparison with the last" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase to draw parallels with the most recent element. Ludwig AI states its correctness, although it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying the reference point for "last". While this phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news media contexts, it fits various registers. Alternatives like "compared to the last" or "in relation to the last" can offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by comparison with the last

Slightly different syntax, same meaning.

compared with the preceding

This alternative uses 'preceding' which emphasizes a direct sequence, similar to 'last'.

relative to the last

This alternative highlights the relationship or proportion concerning the most recent item.

in relation to the last

This expresses a connection or association with the previous item.

assessed against the last

This alternative implies a more formal evaluation or judgment in comparison to the previous one.

juxtaposed with the last

This alternative suggests placing two items side by side for contrast.

when contrasted with the last

This alternative emphasizes the difference observed when comparing with the most recent one.

in light of the last

This phrase indicates that the comparison is used to provide context or understanding based on the previous one.

measured against the last

This alternative suggests a quantitative comparison with the immediately preceding item.

considering the last

This phrase suggests taking the previous item into account when making an evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "in comparison with the last" in a sentence?

Use "in comparison with the last" to highlight differences or similarities between something and its most recent predecessor. For example: "This year's sales are higher "in comparison with the last" quarter."

What phrases are similar to "in comparison with the last"?

Alternatives include "compared to the last", "relative to the last", or "in contrast to the last", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "in comparison to the last"?

While "in comparison with the last" is widely accepted, "compared to the last" and "in comparison to the previous" are also valid and often preferred. The choice depends on context and stylistic preference.

What is the difference between "in comparison with the last" and "in comparison with the previous"?

While both phrases are similar, "in comparison with the last" implies the most recent item, whereas "in comparison with the previous" refers to the one immediately before the current one. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.