to compare with

USAGE SUMMARY

"to compare with" is a correct phrase and it is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the similarity or difference between two or more things. Here is an example: The new smartphone can be compared with its previous version in terms of design, features, and performance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Europe has nothing to compare with that.

The Economist

"There was nothing to compare with it".

The Guardian - Music

Hamilton left to compare with his teammates.

The New York Times - Arts

A movie to compare with Losey's The Servant.

The Guardian - Film

He had swatches of latex, to compare with her skin.

The New Yorker

"We do not have equipment to compare with the East's.

The New Yorker

No new spots to compare with Seventh Avenue at 32nd.

The New Yorker

There is no television viewing to compare with election night.

The Guardian - Books

They wanted to upgrade it to compare with airports.

The New Yorker

What did Obama have to compare with that?

The New Yorker

We don't have an alternative universe to compare with.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to compare with", ensure you clearly state the criteria for comparison to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "compare to" when you mean "compare with". "Compare to" is used to suggest a resemblance, while "to compare with" is used to examine similarities and differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to compare with" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a point of reference for comparison. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is often used to present experimental results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to compare with" is a versatile prepositional phrase that serves to introduce a comparative element in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using "to compare with", ensure that the basis for comparison is clear to avoid ambiguity. Avoid the common error of confusing it with "compare to", which suggests resemblance rather than a detailed comparison. By considering its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively integrate "to compare with" into your writing to enhance clarity and analytical depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In comparison to

Emphasizes the act of contrasting two or more things.

In contrast with

Focuses on the differences between two or more items.

Compared against

Implies a more rigorous or formal comparison process.

By comparison with

A slightly more formal and less common alternative to "to compare with".

When compared to

Highlights the condition or situation under which the comparison is made.

Compared with each other

Explicitly indicates a mutual comparison among multiple items.

Juxtaposed with

Suggests placing two things side-by-side for a clearer comparison, often highlighting differences.

Set against

Implies a comparison that highlights the impact of one thing on another.

Versus

A concise way to indicate a direct comparison or contrast.

Alongside

Suggests a parallel examination of two or more items.

FAQs

What is the difference between "compare to" and "to compare with"?

"Compare to" suggests a likeness or similarity, while "to compare with" involves examining both similarities and differences. For example, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" uses "compare to" to suggest a resemblance. /s/Shall+I+compare+thee+to+a+summer's+day

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

Use "to compare with" when you want to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more things. For instance, "It is useful to compare this data with previous findings".

What are some alternatives to "to compare with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in comparison to", "compared against", or "in contrast with". These phrases offer similar meanings while varying in formality and emphasis. /s/in+comparison+to, /s/compared+against, /s/in+contrast+with.

Is "to compare with" formal or informal?

"To compare with" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "by comparison with" or "when compared to". /s/by+comparison+with, /s/when+compared+to.