Compare to vs. Compare with

This time we're gonna learn about the slight differences between these two. What are you waiting for? Don't you wanna learn more?

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words are used to compare two things with each other. However, 'compare to' is used to show how something is like another whereas, 'compare with' is used to point out the similarities and differences between two things.

Differences

As stated above, 'compare to' is used to liken something to another. Check out the following examples:

This article is compared to the other one I read yesterday.

My friend always compares me to her mother.

'Compare with', on the other hand, is used to show the similarities and differences between two things. Look at the following examples:

This dog looks more calm and relaxed compared with yours.

Harry Potter books have so much more to say compared with the movies.

Similarities

As mentioned above, we use both of them to compare two things with each other. Examine the following examples:

I believe that this year's contest is much better compared with that of the previous year.

Why does the teacher always compares us to mice?

Are They Interchangeable?

Although both differ in the prepositions they use, they cannot be used interchangeably because the listener will get confused. One refers to likening something to another whereas, the other points out the similarities and differences between two things. Compare:

Josephine used to compare life to a long journey.

Here, Josephine is likening one thing to another.

Josephine used to compare life with a long journey.

In this example, Josephine is analyzing the similarities and differences between two things.

Comments

(0)

Share on :