pale compared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pale compared to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things, with the first thing being significantly less intense or significant than the second thing. Example: The moon's light is pale compared to the intense brightness of the sun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Notable advances in renewable energy pale compared to the impact of shale gas.

MIT Technology Review

Bishop's fame too, during her lifetime, seemed pale compared to contemporaries such as Lowell and John Berryman.

The Guardian - Books

Development of such technologies will be pricey, but costs pale compared to the total bucks oil companies are putting down.

MIT Technology Review

But the numbers pale compared to the death toll from opioids: almost 48,000 in 2017, according to federal data.

The New York Times

There are many failings at our colleges and universities, but they pale compared to those of our public schools.

The New York Times

The company's "Don Quixote" looks pale compared to the version the Bolshoi Ballet has just performed in the United States.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It pales compared to 9/11," she said.

The New York Times

It may have paled compared to the 11 months that followed.

The New York Times

"But that really pales compared to the mitzvahs performed every day at this hospital".

The New York Times

The technical challenges of having analytics managers help executives in decision making pales compared to the cultural and political challenges.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The time in the car pales compared to her drive to see what her son can and will do.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pale compared to" to clearly indicate a significant difference in magnitude, importance, or intensity between two subjects. Ensure that the context makes the comparison readily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "pale compared to" when simply describing color differences. This phrase implies a deeper comparison of significance, not just shade.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pale compared to" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that one thing is significantly less impressive or important than another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It sets up a contrast, highlighting the disparity between two subjects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pale compared to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a significant difference in magnitude or importance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly valid and is primarily used in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you are making a clear comparison between two distinct subjects, and consider alternatives like "dwarfed by" or "pales in comparison to" to adjust the level of emphasis. Avoid using the phrase solely for describing color differences, as it implies a more profound comparative judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pales in comparison to

A more emphatic way of saying something is less impressive or significant.

insignificant compared to

Focuses on the lack of importance of one element when contrasted with another.

dwarfed by

Emphasizes the size difference making one appear much smaller.

overshadowed by

Highlights how one thing obscures or diminishes the prominence of another.

eclipsed by

Similar to overshadowed, implying that one thing is blocked out by another.

diminished by

Concentrates on the reduction in importance or effect.

outweighed by

Indicates that one aspect is more important or has greater influence.

secondary to

Shows something is less important than something else.

insufficient compared to

Highlights the inadequacy of something when measured against something else.

inferior to

Directly states that something is of lower quality or status.

FAQs

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

Use "pale compared to" to show that one thing is much weaker, smaller, or less significant than another. For example, "His efforts were "pale compared to" the sacrifices she made".

What's the difference between ""pale compared to"" and "pales in comparison to"?

"Pale compared to" and "pales in comparison to" are very similar. "Pales in comparison to" is slightly more emphatic, suggesting an even greater difference.

Which is correct, "pale compared to" or "pale in comparison to"?

Both "pale compared to" and "pale in comparison to" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on the desired level of emphasis.

What can I say instead of ""pale compared to""?

You can use alternatives like "insignificant compared to", "dwarfed by", or "overshadowed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.