How to Use 'Compare to' in a Sentence

The phrase 'compare to' can often cause confusion among English learners and native speakers alike. Many people use it incorrectly, leading to awkward sentences or misunderstandings. In this article, we'll explore the proper usage of 'compare to' and related phrases, providing examples to clarify these common pitfalls.

Understanding 'Compare to' and 'Compared to'

The phrase 'compare to' is often used incorrectly, especially when someone might mean 'compared to.' However, there is a correct way to use 'compare to' in a sentence, albeit in a less common context. The confusion mainly revolves around the difference between using 'compare to' and 'compare with.' Here, we'll break down how to use each correctly and provide examples to demonstrate their proper usage.

If you mean to compare something to something else, focusing on highlighting a similarity, then the correct phrase would be 'liken to.' For example:
His fast way of talking was likened to the sound of a machinegun.
When comparing his quick speech to the sound of a machine gun, you are emphasizing a similarity in the rapid and intense delivery of both.

On the other hand, when you want to assess differences and similarities between two or more things, you should use 'compare with.' For example:
We must compare this product with the competition to truly assess its value on the market.

Guidelines for Correct Usage

Here are some guidelines to help you use 'compare to' and 'compared to' correctly in your sentences:

Compare to (highlighting a similarity): Use 'liken to' to emphasize the similarity between two things. For instance:

Her voice was likened to a songbird's melodious chirping. The noise in the room was likened to a beehive.

Compared to (assessing differences and similarities): Use 'compared to' to evaluate the similarities and differences between things. For instance:

Compared to the competition, our company offered significantly better customer support. Compared to the previous model, the new smartphone has a much improved camera.

Compare with (assessing differences and similarities): Use 'compare with' to examine both the similarities and the differences between two or more things. For instance:

We need to compare these two products with each other to determine which one is better. To see whether the new policy is effective, it's important to compare it with the old one.

Practical Examples

Let's delve into some examples to see these rules in action:

Highlighting Similarity:
The structure of a bee hive is likened to a human city, with various functions and roles.

Assessing Differences and Similarities (using 'Compared to':
Compared to the traditional banks, the digital startups offer more convenience and variety in financial services.

Assessing Differences and Similarities (using 'Compare with':
To truly understand the impact of social media, we need to compare it with other communication mediums.

Conclusion

While 'compare to' is sometimes used incorrectly, it can be used correctly to highlight similarities. However, 'compared to' and 'compare with' are more commonly used and correct in most contexts. Understanding the proper usage of these phrases can make your writing more precise and clearer to your readers.

By using 'liken to,' 'compared to,' or 'compare with' appropriately, you can effectively communicate your intended comparisons and make your text more engaging and insightful.