Comparing notes on comparing

December 16th, 2008 at 07:00am Barry Wood

I may have done this one before, but here I go again: There is a difference between “compare to” and “compare with.” I estimate that 95 times out of 100, what we want is “compare with.” So if we use “with” all the time instead of “to,” we will be wrong much less often. Or we could just learn the difference.

When we compare one thing “to” another, we are saying they’re alike. One is similar “to” the other. We liken one “to” the other.

“Obama’s political style has been compared to John Kennedy’s.”

When we compare one thing “with” another, we are examining them to determine the extent of similarities and differences. “Let’s compare the president’s accomplishments with his campaign promises.”

So remember: When comparing “to,” the “two” are alike. When comparing “with,” they might not be.

Entry Filed under: word choices, strict usage