The phrases “compared to” and “compared with” often cause confusion for English language learners and even native speakers. While frequently used interchangeably in everyday conversation, understanding their nuanced differences can significantly enhance the precision and clarity of your writing and speech. This article delves into the subtle distinctions between “compared to” and “compared with,” providing clear guidelines and examples to help you master their usage.
“Compared To”: Highlighting Similarities and Likeness
The prepositional phrase “compared to” primarily serves to draw parallels and emphasize similarities between two distinct subjects. It’s particularly effective when you want to illustrate a likeness or resemblance, often bridging seemingly different categories.
Consider these examples:
“His rapid career growth can be compared to a shooting star.”
In this sentence, we are drawing a comparison to highlight the similarity in speed and sudden rise between his career progression and a shooting star. The focus is on the analogous nature of their rapid ascent, even though careers and celestial events are vastly different things.
Another illustration:
“The texture of this new fabric can be compared to silk.”
Here, “compared to” emphasizes the shared quality of texture between the new fabric and silk. We are invited to consider how the fabric feels in relation to the well-known smoothness of silk, focusing on their textural similarity.
“Compared With”: Examining Both Differences and Similarities
In contrast, “compared with” is used when you intend to analyze both the similarities and differences between two subjects. This phrase is ideal for contrasting elements, weighing their respective qualities, and providing a more comprehensive evaluation.
Let’s examine these examples:
“Compared with last year’s sales figures, this quarter shows a significant improvement.”
This sentence uses “compared with” to encourage a balanced assessment. While acknowledging potential similarities (both are sales figures), the primary intention is to highlight the difference – the improvement observed in the current quarter compared to the previous year.
Another example in a different context:
“Compared with other athletes in her age group, she demonstrates exceptional endurance.”
Here, “compared with” sets up a comparative analysis within a similar category – athletes of the same age. The sentence implies an evaluation of her endurance in relation to her peers, considering both where she might be similar and, crucially, where she differs by excelling.
Navigating the Nuances: Choosing Between “Compared To” and “Compared With”
The key to choosing between “compared to” and “compared with” lies in your intended emphasis.
- Use “compared to” when: Your primary goal is to highlight similarities, draw analogies, or illustrate likeness between distinct items or concepts.
- Use “compared with” when: You aim to analyze both similarities and differences, contrast items within the same or similar categories, or provide a balanced comparative assessment.
While modern usage increasingly favors “compared to” for both scenarios, recognizing this subtle distinction allows for more precise and impactful communication. Understanding when to lean towards “compared with” can add depth and clarity to your comparisons, especially in formal writing and analytical contexts.
A Matter of Preference and Evolving Language
Historically, “compared with” was often considered the more formally correct option. However, language evolves, and “compared to” has gained significant traction, often used broadly to encompass both similarity-focused and contrast-focused comparisons.
Ultimately, while understanding the nuances is valuable, in many everyday situations, the choice between “compared to” and “compared with” may come down to stylistic preference. However, for precise and nuanced communication, particularly in formal writing, consciously choosing the phrase that best reflects your intended emphasis will elevate the quality and clarity of your message.
