make a comparison to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a comparison to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing similarities or differences between two or more subjects. Example: "In her essay, she makes a comparison to the economic policies of the two countries to highlight their differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I always make a comparison to 2003-04 when I was giving my best performances.

The Guardian - Sport

Michael Becker of WWF said: "If you want to make a comparison to the Amazon, it's like the inverted forest.

The Guardian

When you make a comparison to Martin Luther King, Jr., you should understand that the Bush voters were on the side of Bull Connor.

The New York Times

I don't want to make a comparison to Ebola, but I do think it's no accident that they use the metaphor of a virus".

The New Yorker

But to make a comparison to something that went on for hours and hours and for four days is a totally, you know, exaggerated reaction".

The New York Times

double dispersion and make a comparison to g cpofdm.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Dr. Jack G. Bruner, a former president of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, made a comparison to the legal profession.

The New York Times - Style

He made a comparison to basketball: Lacrosse attackmen have higher-percentage scoring chances, much like 7-footers in the post.

The New York Times

Rock – less concerned with joke theft than with comics' freedom to experiment – makes a comparison to cigarettes, which probably points the right way forward.

The Guardian

Although Rollins said the Mets should believe they are better than the Phillies, he also made a comparison to last September's collapse.

The New York Times - Sports

Richard A Clarke, one of the review group signatories, made a comparison to a failed attempt to institute back doors in the phone network in the 90s.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a comparison to", clearly state both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make a comparison to" when the relationship between the subjects is superficial. Ensure there's a substantive basis for the comparison to provide meaningful insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a comparison to" functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a comparative analysis. It sets the stage for examining similarities or differences between two or more subjects, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a comparison to" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it's valuable in analytical writing to highlight similarities or differences between subjects. Its formality leans toward neutral to formal, finding frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts. Alternatives include "compare with" or "draw a parallel with". When using "make a comparison to", ensure the basis for your comparison is substantive to avoid oversimplification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw a parallel with

This alternative suggests highlighting similarities or correspondences.

compare with

This is a more direct and concise way of expressing a comparison.

draw a connection to

This alternative focuses on establishing a relationship or link between elements.

relate to

This is a simpler way to express a connection or similarity.

liken to

This alternative implies seeing something as similar or analogous to something else.

find an analogy in

This option focuses on finding similar attributes or cases.

establish a correlation with

This suggests finding a statistical relationship or pattern.

draw an inference from

Here the focus is on a logical conclusion based on similarities or differences.

contrast with

This highlights the act of showing differences rather than similarities.

juxtapose with

This alternative suggests placing two things side by side for comparison, often highlighting differences.

FAQs

How can I use "make a comparison to" in a sentence?

You can use "make a comparison to" when you're showing similarities or differences between two things. For instance, "The economist "makes a comparison to" the 2008 recession to explain the current market volatility."

What are some alternatives to "make a comparison to"?

Alternatives include "compare with", "draw a parallel with", or "liken to", depending on the specific context you are trying to create.

Is there a difference between "make a comparison to" and simply "compare to"?

"Make a comparison to" is more explicit and emphasizes the act of comparing, whereas "compare to" is more direct. Both are valid, but the former can be useful when you want to highlight the analytical process.

When is it best to use "make a comparison to" in writing?

It's best used in analytical or explanatory writing where you are explicitly drawing a parallel or contrast between two subjects to highlight specific similarities or differences. For example, "The author "makes a comparison to" historical events to illustrate current political trends."