Navigating the nuances of English grammar is crucial for success on the GMAT, especially in the Sentence Correction section. Among the subtle yet significant points of grammar are the correct usages of “compared to” and “compared with.” While both phrases serve to draw comparisons, their application differs based on the nature of the items being contrasted. Understanding this distinction is not just about grammatical correctness; it’s a key to unlocking clarity and precision in your writing and comprehension on the GMAT. This article will clarify the appropriate use of “compared to” and “compared with,” equipping you to tackle GMAT sentence correction questions with confidence.
Dissecting the Difference: “Compared With” vs. “Compared To”
Both “compared with” and “compared to” are employed to highlight similarities or differences between two or more entities. However, the subtle distinction lies in whether you are comparing like with like or drawing a comparison between fundamentally different categories.
“Compared With”: For Similar Comparisons
Use “compared with” when you are examining similarities and differences between items of the same general type. This phrase is used to analyze, contrast, and evaluate items within a similar class. The focus is on a detailed comparison that often highlights both commonalities and disparities.
Example 1: Compared with apples, oranges are higher in Vitamin C.
Here, we are comparing two types of fruits, both belonging to the category of “fruits.” “Compared with” is appropriate because we are analyzing nutritional differences within the same class of food.
Example 2: Compared with last year’s sales figures, this quarter shows a significant improvement.
In this case, we are comparing sales figures across different time periods, but both are still “sales figures.” The comparison is between similar data points to assess performance over time.
“Compared To”: For Dissimilar Comparisons or Likening
Employ “compared to” when you are illustrating a similarity between things that are essentially different. This phrase is often used to liken something to something else, sometimes for metaphorical or illustrative purposes. It highlights a resemblance or analogy, even if the items are not fundamentally of the same type.
Example 3: Life is often compared to a journey.
Here, we are comparing “life,” an abstract concept, to “a journey,” a concrete experience. They are not the same type of things, but the comparison serves to illustrate aspects of life, such as its progression, challenges, and destinations. “Compared to” is used to draw this analogical connection.
Example 4: His bravery compared to a lion’s roar echoed through the battlefield.
This sentence compares “his bravery,” an abstract quality, to “a lion’s roar,” a concrete, powerful sound. This is a metaphorical comparison, using “compared to” to emphasize the magnitude of his bravery by likening it to something inherently powerful.
GMAT Application: Precision is Key
On the GMAT Sentence Correction, the distinction between “compared with” and “compared to” is often tested subtly. Correct usage hinges on understanding the relationship between the items being compared. Look closely at the context:
- Are you evaluating differences within a similar category? If so, “compared with” is likely correct.
- Are you drawing an analogy or likening something to a different kind of thing to illustrate a point? If yes, then “compared to” is appropriate.
Mastering this nuance will significantly enhance your ability to identify and correct errors in GMAT sentence correction questions, leading to a more refined and accurate understanding of English grammar in a testing context.
In Summary
While both “compared with” and “compared to” facilitate comparisons, remember this core principle: use “compared with” for comparisons within the same category, and “compared to” for comparisons between different categories or for metaphorical likening. Paying attention to this distinction will not only refine your grammatical accuracy but also sharpen your critical reading skills, essential for GMAT success.
