make comparisons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make comparisons" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when attempting to draw similarities between two different ideas or objects. For example: "To better understand the similarities between the two cultures, we must make comparisons between their respective values and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't make comparisons.

The Guardian - Sport

Let's not make comparisons.

The Guardian - Sport

"You don't make comparisons.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can make comparisons," he says.

The Guardian

People always try to make comparisons.

The New York Times - Sports

All are salted to make comparisons easier.

The Washington Post

We also make comparisons with other methods.

Pattern Recognition

Differences in American and Russian health care make comparisons risky.

The New York Times

I know a lot of people want to make comparisons.

The Guardian

But there are many differences that make comparisons exceedingly difficult.

The Guardian

"You can't make comparisons from one period to the other.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make comparisons", ensure that the basis for comparison is clear to the reader. Specify which aspects are being compared and why those aspects are relevant to your argument.

Common error

Avoid making vague comparisons without clear criteria. Instead of saying "These two approaches are different", specify how they differ. Example: "These two approaches differ significantly in their implementation costs and scalability."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make comparisons" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of comparing two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Examples show its use in various contexts, from scientific analyses to everyday observations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make comparisons" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that serves the purpose of analyzing and contrasting different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a wide variety of registers. As evidenced by the abundant examples, the phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Science, demonstrating its applicability in both formal and informal contexts. When writing, remember to provide clear criteria for your comparisons to enhance clarity and avoid vague statements. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar meanings, allowing for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw parallels

Focuses on highlighting similarities rather than a general comparison.

assess similarities

Specifically targets the act of evaluating common attributes.

contrast elements

Emphasizes identifying differences, offering an opposite perspective.

juxtapose ideas

Involves placing items side-by-side for a clearer comparison.

weigh the differences

Highlights the process of evaluating disparities.

differentiate aspects

Stresses the act of distinguishing between various elements.

correlate factors

Implies establishing a statistical relationship between variables.

establish associations

Suggests creating connections between distinct items or concepts.

discern connections

Indicates discovering underlying links between subjects.

cross-reference data

Deals with comparing different sets of information.

FAQs

How do I use "make comparisons" in a sentence?

Use "make comparisons" when you want to highlight similarities or differences between two or more things. For example, "Researchers "make comparisons" between different treatment options to determine the most effective one."

What are some alternatives to "make comparisons"?

Alternatives to "make comparisons" include "draw parallels", "contrast elements", or "assess similarities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make a comparison" or "make comparisons"?

Both "make a comparison" and "make comparisons" are grammatically correct. "Make a comparison" is typically used when referring to a single, specific comparison. "Make comparisons" suggests a more general process of comparing multiple items or aspects.

When is it inappropriate to "make comparisons"?

It's inappropriate to "make comparisons" when the items being compared lack a relevant basis for comparison, or when the comparison is made without sufficient understanding of the items being compared. Also avoid biased "draw parallels" that support an argument using emotional reasons.