when compared with

USAGE SUMMARY

"when compared with" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to draw a comparison between two things. For example: The traditional methods of education, when compared with newer online-based methods, often prove to be much more effective.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except when compared with the cuisine of Seni or Takanosu.

The New York Times - Travel

But that's nothing when compared with a film crew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A leech looks downright sensible when compared with Botox.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it has limitations, particularly when compared with the US.

The Guardian

Sadly these seemed slightly limp when compared with Maier's fury.

The Guardian

But this new novel falls short when compared with "Rosa".

The New York Times - Books

The subsidy also looms large when compared with bank profits.

The New York Times

Claims rose in line with inflation when compared with 2007.

The Economist

Photos are relatively small when compared with paintings.

The New York Times

But he played that down when compared with Cabrera's pursuit.

The New York Times - Sports

But when compared with Italy, two features stand out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when compared with" to clearly establish a point of reference in your comparison. For example, "The efficiency of solar panels, when compared with fossil fuels, is significantly higher in terms of environmental impact."

Common error

Be mindful of the subtle difference between "compared to" and "compared with". Use "compared to" when asserting a likeness without detailed analysis, and "when compared with" when closely examining similarities and differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when compared with" functions as a prepositional phrase, used to introduce a comparison between two subjects. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used to establish a basis for evaluating similarities and differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when compared with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce comparisons. Grammatically sound and very common, it frequently appears in science and news reporting. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. Remember to use it when you need to establish a reference point for your comparison, clarifying the relationship between two or more elements in your writing. Alternatives like "in comparison to", "relative to", and "compared to" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to

A shorter, more direct way of expressing a comparison, suitable for less formal contexts.

in comparison to

Emphasizes the act of comparing, focusing on the relationship between the items being compared.

by comparison with

Draws a comparison, often to highlight differences or similarities in a more analytical way.

relative to

Highlights the proportionality or relationship in scale between two or more things.

in contrast with

Emphasizes the differences between two or more items, often to highlight unique qualities.

set beside

A simpler and more straightforward alternative, indicating that two or more items are being compared side by side.

as opposed to

Highlights a direct opposition or alternative between two items.

measured against

Suggests a standard or benchmark is used for the comparison.

vis-à-vis

A more formal way of indicating a relationship or comparison, suitable for academic or professional settings.

juxtaposed with

Emphasizes the act of placing two or more items side by side to highlight contrasts or similarities.

FAQs

How do I use "when compared with" in a sentence?

Use "when compared with" to draw a clear comparison between two or more things. For example, "The cost of living in New York, "when compared with" that of a small town, is significantly higher."

What's the difference between "when compared with" and "compared to"?

"When compared with" is generally used when highlighting both similarities and differences through detailed analysis. "Compared to" is used to simply state similarities or likenesses. For example: "This phone is light "compared to" my old one" versus "This phone, "when compared with" the previous model, has a better camera and faster processor."

Are there alternatives to "when compared with" for formal writing?

Yes, you can use phrases like "in relation to", "in contrast to", or "vis-à-vis" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "when comparing with" instead of "when compared with"?

While "when comparing with" is grammatically correct, "when compared with" is more common and stylistically preferred in formal writing as it indicates a completed action or state.