to compare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to compare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of evaluating the similarities and/or differences between two or more items, concepts, or ideas. Example: "In this essay, I will compare the economic policies of the two candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's nobody really to compare.

Independent

They like to compare relationships.

The New Yorker

Also to compare and contrast.

The New Yorker

It's hard to compare them".

The New York Times - Sports

2. To liken; to compare.

The New Yorker

Outrageous to compare them!

The Guardian

Ask users to compare.

Stanford University

You have nothing to compare it to".

The New Yorker

Europe has nothing to compare with that.

The Economist

"People are going to want to compare.

The New York Times

That is not to compare the two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to compare", clearly define the basis of your comparison. State the specific aspects or criteria you are using to evaluate the items being compared. This will make your analysis more focused and insightful.

Common error

Avoid making vague or open-ended comparisons. Always specify what you are comparing and why. For example, instead of saying "This product is better", state "This product is better because it is more durable and cost-effective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to compare" functions as an infinitive, often introducing a clause that expresses the purpose of assessing similarities and/or differences between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used to introduce comparative analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to compare" is a versatile and grammatically sound infinitive used to express the action of assessing similarities and differences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. Its high frequency, particularly in News & Media and Academia, demonstrates its widespread acceptance. When writing, remember to clearly define the basis of comparison and avoid vague statements. Related phrases such as "to make a comparison" or "to contrast" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "to compare" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to make a comparison

Focuses on the action of creating a comparison, rather than the general act of comparing.

to draw a parallel

Suggests finding similarities or analogous relationships between two things.

to contrast

Emphasizes the differences between items, rather than a balanced view of similarities and differences.

to evaluate against

Highlights assessing something based on a set standard or another item.

to weigh against

Implies careful consideration of the relative importance of different factors.

to measure up to

Focuses on whether something meets a certain standard when assessed against something else.

to set side by side

Implies a direct juxtaposition for the purpose of observing similarities and differences.

to collate with

Highlights gathering and arranging information from different sources for comparison.

to relate to

Focuses on establishing a connection or association, which may involve comparison.

to differentiate from

Stresses the act of distinguishing one thing from another.

FAQs

How can I use "to compare" in a sentence?

You can use "to compare" to introduce the act of assessing similarities and differences. For example, "It's important "to compare" the features of different models before making a purchase."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "to compare"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to contrast", "to evaluate", or "to draw a parallel".

Is it always necessary to explicitly state what I am comparing something to when using "to compare"?

While not always grammatically required, it is best practice to specify the object of comparison for clarity. For example, instead of "It's hard "to compare"", specify "It's hard "to compare" these two approaches".

What's the difference between using "to compare" and "to contrast"?

"To compare" involves examining both similarities and differences, while "to contrast" focuses primarily on highlighting the differences between two or more items.