The English language, rich with subtle distinctions, often presents confusing choices between seemingly similar phrases. One such pair that frequently puzzles writers and language learners alike is “compare to” and “compare with.” While both are used to draw parallels between subjects, they carry distinct nuances that can subtly alter the meaning of your sentence. Understanding when to use each phrase is crucial for precise and effective communication.
According to The Elements of Style, the distinction lies in the nature of the comparison itself. “Compare to” is used to highlight resemblances between things of different orders. Think of metaphorical comparisons or analogies. For instance, you might say, “Life has been compared to a journey,” drawing a symbolic likeness between the two. In this case, life and a journey are fundamentally different concepts, but the comparison illuminates shared characteristics like progression and challenges. Similarly, “Paris has been compared to ancient Athens,” suggesting a shared cultural or intellectual prominence despite being distinct cities in different eras.
In contrast, “compare with” is employed when examining differences and similarities between things of the same order. This is about a more direct, analytical comparison. As The Oxford Dictionary of American Usage and Style clarifies, “compare with” means “to place side by side, noting differences and similarities between.” Consider, “Let’s compare his goals with his actual accomplishments.” Here, we are looking at two aspects of the same person’s endeavors, placing them in direct relation to analyze their alignment or disparity. Another example could be, “Congress may be compared with the British Parliament,” as both are legislative bodies, allowing for a comparative analysis of their structures, powers, or effectiveness.
However, the waters are further muddied by varying viewpoints on strict adherence to this distinction. Good Grammar Made Easy points out that in Standard American Written English (SAWE), either “compare to” or “compare with” might be used to mean both “liken something to something else” and “observe similarities and differences.” For example, the sentence “You can’t compare a Volkswagen to [or with] a Rolls-Royce” can be used to express the idea of likening or to observe differences in quality and price. Similarly, “Comparing a Volkswagen to [or with] a Rolls-Royce, you notice a big difference in price” can serve both purposes as well.
Despite this accepted overlap in SAWE, it’s important to be aware of the traditional distinction, especially in formal writing. While some may find the interchangeable use acceptable, many readers still prefer and expect “compare to” for metaphorical likeness and “compare with” for analytical comparison. Choosing the right phrase enhances clarity and demonstrates a refined command of the English language. Therefore, while usage may be evolving, understanding the core difference between “Compare To Versus Compare With” remains a valuable tool in your writing arsenal.
