Compared To vs Compared With: When to Use Which

When comparing things in English, you’ll often encounter the phrases “compared to” and “compared with.” Choosing the right one can be tricky, but understanding the subtle differences will significantly improve your writing. This article delves into the nuances of “compared to” and “compared with,” providing clear guidelines and examples to help you use them correctly.

Unveiling the Nuances of “Compared To” and “Compared With”

“Compared to” emphasizes similarities and is often used for poetic or metaphorical comparisons. It highlights likenesses, even if the items being compared are vastly different. Think of Shakespeare’s famous line, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” He’s highlighting the beauty and warmth of both the subject and a summer’s day. In contrast, “compared with” focuses on both similarities and differences, offering a more analytical comparison. It’s used when you want to examine the features of two or more things side-by-side. For example, you might say, “Compared with last year’s sales figures, this year’s profits have significantly increased.” This implies a direct comparison and analysis of the two sets of figures.

When to Use “Compared To”?

Metaphorical Comparisons: Use “compared to” when drawing a poetic or figurative comparison between dissimilar things. For example, “Her voice was compared to the sweet melody of a nightingale.”
Highlighting Similarities: Use “compared to” when emphasizing the shared qualities of two things. “His energy levels, compared to his younger brother, were remarkably high.”

When to Use “Compared With”?

Analytical Comparisons: Use “compared with” when analyzing the similarities and differences between two or more items. “Compared with traditional marketing methods, digital marketing offers greater reach and measurability.”
Statistical Comparisons: Use “compared with” when presenting statistical data or comparing numerical values. “The unemployment rate this quarter, compared with last quarter, has decreased by 2%.”

Compared to vs Compared with: A Quick Recap

Here’s a quick table to summarize the key differences:

Feature	Compared To	Compared With
Focus	Similarities, metaphorical comparisons	Similarities and differences, analytical comparisons
Usage	Poetic, figurative, highlighting likenesses	Analytical, statistical, examining features

Common Scenarios and Examples

Let’s explore some common scenarios where you might use “compared to” or “compared with”:

Sports Analysis: “Messi’s dribbling skills, compared to Ronaldo’s, are more intricate.” (Highlighting a specific skill) vs. “Messi’s overall performance, compared with Ronaldo’s, varies depending on the season.” (Analyzing overall performance)
Product Comparisons: “This new phone’s camera, compared to the previous model, is significantly improved.” (Highlighting a specific feature) vs. “This phone’s specifications, compared with its competitors, offer a better value proposition.” (Analyzing overall specifications)

Conclusion

Choosing between “compared to” and “compared with” depends on the context and the type of comparison you want to make. Remember, “compared to” emphasizes similarities and is used for metaphorical comparisons, while “compared with” focuses on both similarities and differences and is used for analytical comparisons. By understanding these nuances, you can enhance your writing and express your comparisons with greater precision. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, comparing these two phrases should no longer be a challenge!

FAQ

Is it grammatically incorrect to use “compared to” in analytical comparisons?
Can “compared with” be used in metaphorical comparisons?
Are there any other phrases that can be used instead of “compared to” or “compared with”?
What are some common mistakes people make when using these phrases?
How can I remember the difference between “compared to” and “compared with”?
Is there a regional preference for using one phrase over the other?
Do style guides offer specific recommendations on using these phrases?