Compare To or With?
The difference between "compare to" and "compare with" lies in their usage: "compare to" is used to highlight similarities between two different things, often in a metaphorical or creative sense, while "compare with" is used for a detailed examination of both similarities and differences, typically in formal or analytical contexts.
Compare To: Drawing Similarities
"Compare to" is used when highlighting similarities between two distinct things. This phrase is often applied when you want to show that one thing is like another in some way, often in a poetic or metaphorical sense. It is commonly found in literature, speeches, and creative writing.
Examples:
She compared the calm sea to a sheet of glass.
The poet compared his love to a summer's day.
The teacher compared the student’s progress to a marathon runner's endurance.
He compared the city lights to stars in the night sky.
The writer compared her struggle to climbing a mountain.
Rule of Thumb: Use "compare to" when you intend to emphasize the likeness between two different entities, particularly in a non-analytical or creative context.
Compare With: Analyzing Differences and Similarities
"Compare with" is used for a more detailed examination, focusing on both the differences and the similarities between two or more items. This phrase is typically employed in academic writing, reports, or any formal analysis where you want to weigh different aspects of the subjects being compared.
Examples:
When you compare online learning with traditional classroom education, both have unique benefits.
The consultant compared the new strategy with the previous approach.
Comparing the two reports with each other reveals several key differences.
You can compare the performance with last year’s data to see improvement.
The scientist compared the effects of the new drug with the existing treatment options.
Rule of Thumb: Use "compare with" when you want to conduct a thorough analysis, considering both similarities and differences between two or more items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many learners mistakenly use "compare to" and "compare with" interchangeably. This can lead to confusion, especially in formal writing. Understanding the context in which each phrase should be used is essential to avoid these mistakes.
Common Mistake 1: Using "compare to" when an analytical comparison is required.
Incorrect: The report compares this year’s sales to last year’s.
Correct: The report compares this year’s sales with last year’s.
Common Mistake 2: Using "compare with" in creative comparisons where similarities are being emphasized.
Incorrect: He compared her smile with the brightness of the sun.
Correct: He compared her smile to the brightness of the sun.
Tip: When in doubt, ask yourself whether you are trying to show a similarity (use "compare to") or provide a detailed analysis (use "compare with").
Practical Tips: How to Choose the Right Phrase
Deciding between "compare to" and "compare with" depends on your intent. Use "compare to" when you want to emphasize similarity, often in a poetic or less formal context. Opt for "compare with" when conducting a balanced analysis of both similarities and differences, particularly in formal or academic writing.
Examples:
Use "compare to" in sentences like: "He compared her voice to a melody."
Use "compare with" in sentences like: "The manager compared the team’s output with last quarter’s results."
When describing a metaphor, "compare to" is appropriate: "She compared the child’s laughter to a bell ringing."
For statistical analysis, "compare with" is better: "The study compares the new policy with the old one."
Additional Rule: In general, use "compare to" for similes and analogies where you want to highlight a specific likeness, and "compare with" for detailed comparisons of two similar things in the same category.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce your understanding, here are some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with "compare to" or "compare with" as appropriate:
The teacher asked the students to ______ their summer vacations ____ last year’s.
The novel’s themes have often been _______ Shakespearean tragedies.
Analysts frequently _______ the economic policies of different countries.
In her speech, she _______ the company’s growth ____ a rising tide.
Scientists _______ the new data ____ the results from previous experiments.
Answers:
compare with
compared to
compare with
compared to
compare with