make comparisons to

USAGE SUMMARY

"make comparisons to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe how similar two things are. For example, "This painting makes comparisons to works by Monet, with its soft colors and romantic landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They make comparisons to the villains who stole the Dodgers.

The New York Times

I mean, I know I shouldn't make comparisons to Weimar Germany, but it's not not different.

The New Yorker

The best studies make comparisons to nearby states or counties to control for regional economic trends.

University of California, Berkeley

Teachers were asked to draw a volcano and then make comparisons to volcanoes around the world.

University of California, Berkeley

Baseball has unique strengths and differences that make comparisons to other sports dicey.

The New York Times

Now that McKnight is settled in, Carroll said he was not afraid to make comparisons to Bush.

The New York Times - Sports

It has become fashionable since Spain's economy began to decline to make comparisons to Germany, which is rebounding strongly.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is hard to see the film and not make comparisons to Restrepo, the other masterpiece of the Afghan war.

The New York Times

They call themselves "lifestyle consultants" and make comparisons to Martha Stewart, but they do not dispense tips on cooking, gardening or hospitality or sell sheets and towels.

The New York Times - Arts

(The group said it was more appropriate to make comparisons to 2000 because passenger traffic plunged in late 2001 after the terrorist attacks).

The New York Times

That some participants make comparisons to nineteen-sixties left-wing activism and even to the civil-rights movement is irritating and misleading.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make comparisons to", ensure the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "make comparisons to" when there is no logical basis for comparison. Comparing unrelated subjects can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make comparisons to" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of evaluating the similarities between two or more things. As Ludwig indicates, it is commonly used in various contexts to draw parallels or identify shared characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make comparisons to" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that serves to draw parallels and highlight similarities between different subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. While "make comparisons to" is quite common, it is essential to ensure the subjects being compared are relevant to prevent confusing the reader. Consider alternatives such as ""compare with"" or ""draw parallels with"" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compare with

A more general term for assessing similarities and differences, lacking the directional implication of "to".

draw parallels with

This phrase suggests highlighting similarities, often in an analytical context.

liken to

This alternative emphasizes a direct comparison, suggesting something is similar in nature or quality.

equate with

This implies a strong similarity, often suggesting that two things are virtually the same.

find similarities between

This phrase directly points out the act of discovering common traits.

measure against

Implies using something as a standard for comparison.

relate to

Indicates a connection or association, often less direct than a comparison.

contrast with

Focuses specifically on highlighting the differences between two subjects.

draw a distinction between

This focuses on clarifying the differences and unique aspects.

establish a correlation

Suggests finding a statistical or causal link between two elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "make comparisons to" when you want to point out similarities between two or more things. For example, "Critics often "make comparisons to" earlier works of the director."

What are some alternatives to "make comparisons to"?

Alternatives to "make comparisons to" include "compare with", "draw parallels with", or "liken to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "make a comparison to" instead of "make comparisons to"?

While "make a comparison to" is grammatically correct, ""make comparisons to"" is more frequently used when discussing multiple comparative points or a general act of comparing. Use "make a comparison to" when focusing on a single, specific point of comparison.

What is the difference between "compare to" and "compare with" when using "make comparisons"?

Both phrases are similar, but "compare to" often suggests asserting a similarity, while "compare with" implies examining both similarities and differences. The phrase ""make comparisons to"" leans towards asserting a likeness or similarity.