to make a comparison

USAGE SUMMARY

"to make a comparison" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to illustrate similarities and differences between two or more things. For example, "The population growth in both cities is quite different, so we can use the data to make a comparison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To make a comparison.

The New York Times - Books

Is nobody going to make a comparison with 2010?

The Guardian - Business

Michael Becker of WWF said: "If you want to make a comparison to the Amazon, it's like the inverted forest.

The Guardian

RAFFI KHATCHADOURIAN: I am sorry, but I am not following the events in Japan close enough to make a comparison.

The New Yorker

However, to enable the diner to make a comparison, we served a caramelised and non-caramelised ravioli together.

Independent

I don't want to make a comparison to Ebola, but I do think it's no accident that they use the metaphor of a virus".

The New Yorker

Such symptoms were common to the general population and it would be difficult to establish a sufficiently robust control group with which to make a comparison, they said.

The Guardian

But to make a comparison to something that went on for hours and hours and for four days is a totally, you know, exaggerated reaction".

The New York Times

And as the director who guided Dame Judi to her best actress Tony for "Amy's View" on Broadway four years ago, he is prepared to make a comparison.

The New York Times

He then proceeded to make a comparison with past administrations, though characteristically, he took care not to be critical of his predecessors.

The New York Times

So we choose 100 °C to make a comparison.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make a comparison", ensure that the elements being compared are clearly defined to provide context for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid stating that you want "to make a comparison" without actually presenting the comparison or explicitly mentioning what you are comparing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make a comparison" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to introduce the purpose or intention behind an action, such as analyzing data or contrasting different viewpoints. The phrase signals that a comparative analysis will follow. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse fields where this phrase is used to preface comparative statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make a comparison" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across a range of written English contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard way to introduce the analysis of similarities and differences. While it is suitable for formal and informal settings, its frequency in scientific and news media indicates a slightly elevated tone. Remember to clearly define the subjects of comparison for optimal clarity. Consider alternatives such as "to draw a comparison" or "to compare and contrast" depending on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to draw a comparison

Replaces "make" with "draw", emphasizing the act of extracting the comparison.

to offer a comparison

Substitutes "make" with "offer", suggesting a presentation of the comparison.

to compare and contrast

Emphasizes both similarities and differences in a structured manner.

to draw parallels

Focuses specifically on identifying similarities.

to enable a comparison

Similar to 'facilitate', but highlights empowerment of the comparison act.

to draw contrasts

Highlights the act of identifying differences.

to facilitate a comparison

Shifts focus to enabling a comparison, rather than performing it directly.

to institute a comparison

Uses "institute" in place of "make", implying a formal or structured comparison.

to attempt a comparison

Adds a degree of uncertainty or effort to the act of comparing.

to endeavor to compare

Substitutes "make a comparison" with a more formal expression.

FAQs

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

You can use "to make a comparison" to introduce an analysis of similarities and differences between two or more subjects. For example, "To make a comparison between these two economic policies, we need to analyze their effects on employment rates".

What phrases are similar to "to make a comparison"?

Alternatives include "to draw a comparison", "to compare and contrast", or "to offer a comparison". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"To make a comparison" is generally preferred over "to do a comparison" as it sounds more formal and is more commonly used in written English. "To do a comparison" is less common and can sound slightly awkward.

When is it inappropriate to "to make a comparison"?

It may be inappropriate to "to make a comparison" if the subjects being compared are unrelated or if the comparison is used to trivialize a serious issue. Ensure the comparison is relevant and respectful.