is compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is compared to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to compare two things, showing how they are similar or how one thing is similar to another. For example: "The small size of the laptop is compared to the size of a paperback book."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often illness is compared to a battle.

Stanford University

Eve is compared to a wood-nymph in Diana's service.

The Guardian - Books

Their head coach, Bill Belichick, is compared to Vince Lombardi.

The New York Times

The observed transmission ratio is compared to a model analysis.

Harvard University

The model is compared to experiment in the paper.

Yale University

The machine's performance is compared to prediction.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

The MA is compared to MINLP techniques.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Simulation is compared to experimental results.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

The proposal is compared to other approaches.

International Journal of Fatigue

Clinton is compared to Bill Clinton and Obama; Trump is compared to everyone from Benito Mussolini to Juan Perón to Silvio Berlusconi.

The Guardian

People hate it when rape is compared to theft, and wearing sex-signal clothing is compared to leaving your door unlocked.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is compared to" to draw parallels between distinct subjects, highlighting similarities that may not be immediately apparent. This can provide deeper insight and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "is compared to" when you intend to state a direct equivalence or identity. Use "is" or "equals" instead when the subjects are the same. "Is compared to" is best suited for highlighting similarities between different entities, not asserting that they are the same.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is compared to" functions as a comparative construction, used to draw parallels or highlight similarities between two distinct entities or concepts. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across different domains to facilitate understanding through analogy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is compared to" serves as a comparative tool, effectively highlighting similarities between different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's prevalence across diverse sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and academic papers, underscores its versatility. To maximize clarity, ensure the basis for comparison is explicit. Remember to reserve "is compared to" for drawing parallels between distinct subjects and avoid using it for direct equivalences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Offers a more general and straightforward way to express resemblance.

is likened to

Uses a different verb to convey similarity, implying a more figurative comparison.

is akin to

Implies a close similarity or affinity between the subjects being compared.

is analogous to

Suggests a more structured and reasoned comparison, often used in formal contexts.

bears resemblance to

Highlights the observable similarities between two subjects.

shares characteristics with

Focuses on the common attributes or features of the subjects being compared.

can be equated with

Suggests that two things are essentially the same or have equivalent value in a certain context.

is commensurate with

Indicates that two things are proportional or corresponding in measure or degree.

is on a par with

Expresses that something is equal or of the same standard as something else.

is in the same league as

Conveys that something is at the same level of quality or ability as something else.

FAQs

How can I use "is compared to" in a sentence?

Use "is compared to" to highlight similarities between two distinct subjects. For example, "His leadership style "is compared to" that of a seasoned general".

What are some alternatives to "is compared to"?

You can use alternatives like "is likened to", "is similar to", or "is analogous to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is compared with" instead of "is compared to"?

While both "is compared to" and "is compared with" are grammatically correct, "is compared to" is more commonly used to emphasize the similarities between two different things. "Is compared with" often implies a more detailed, side-by-side analysis.

What's the difference between "is compared to" and "is contrasted with"?

"Is compared to" highlights similarities, while "is contrasted with" emphasizes the differences between two subjects. Use "is compared to" when you want to draw parallels and "is contrasted with" when you want to highlight distinctions.