The Proper Usage of 'Compared to,' 'Compared with,' and 'Compared Than'

Many native English speakers often find it challenging to distinguish between the prepositions compared to, compared with, and the incorrect usage compared than. Understanding these differences is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to use these terms in various contexts.

To illustrate, consider the following examples:

1. 'Compared to'

Compared to is a preposition used to show that something is similar to or like something else. It is often used in the passive form of the verb compare.

Example:

Barack Obama has often been compared to Abraham Lincoln.

Here, the sentence does not assert that Barack Obama is similar to Abraham Lincoln (other than in the political arena), but rather it conveys a statement about how others might view him.

Example:

Shakespeare thought that his lover might be compared to a summer’s day.

Again, this sentence does not state that the lover is like a summer’s day, but suggests that it might be a comparison made by someone else.

2. 'Compared with'

Compared with is used to draw a parallel between two things and to understand how they are similar or different. It is also commonly used in the passive form of the verb compare.

Example:

In this study, we compared men with women in terms of how likely each group is to develop diabetes.

This sentence suggests that the study aims to understand the differences or similarities between the two groups.

3. 'Compared Than'

Compared than is not grammatically correct. It is neither used in standard English nor in any form of comparative construction. Than is used to make comparisons with the comparative form of adjectives or adverbs, not typically after compared to or compared with.

Correct Usage:

He is taller than I.

Incorrect Usage:

*He is compared than I.

Why These Differences Matter

The prepositions to and with in the comparison are crucial because they guide the context of the comparison. Using to is typically used to draw a parallel, indicating similarity or likeness, while with is used to indicate differences or to draw a contrast.

Common Misuses and Solutions

Native English speakers frequently misuse compared to and compared with. Here are some examples of incorrect usage and the correct versions:

Incorrect:

I always compare my grades to my friends.

Correct:

I always compare my grades with my friends.

Conclusion

Understanding the proper usage of compared to and compared with can significantly enhance your communication skills. When comparing two things, use to to indicate similarity or likeness, and use with to highlight differences or contrast. Avoid using compared than, as it is not a grammatically correct form.