What's the Difference Between 'Compare To' and 'Compare With'?

In this blog post we look at when to use compare to and when to use compare with.

'Compare To' or 'Compare With'?

"Compare to" and "compare with" are similar phrases that are used to describe the act of examining or analyzing the characteristics or qualities of two or more things in order to identify similarities or differences. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage.

"Compare to" is typically used to draw a similarity or analogy between two things. For example: "She compared her new car to a sports car." In this sentence, the speaker is saying that the new car is similar to a sports car in some way.

"Compare with" is typically used to examine the similarities and differences between two things in a more objective or analytical way. For example: "We compared the two products with each other to see which one was better." In this sentence, the speaker is looking at the two products and examining their characteristics in order to determine which one is superior.

In general, "compare to" is more often used to draw a comparison based on similarity or analogy, while "compare with" is more often used to examine the similarities and differences between two things in a more objective way. However, both phrases can be used interchangeably in many situations.

Here are some examples that contrast the differences between "compare to" and "compare with":

  • "Compare to" example: "He compared the new restaurant to a five-star hotel, saying that the service and food were just as good." In this sentence, the speaker is drawing a similarity between the new restaurant and a five-star hotel.

  • "Compare with" example: "The scientists compared the results of the two studies with each other to see if there were any significant differences in the outcomes." In this sentence, the researchers are examining the similarities and differences between the two studies in a more objective way.

Examples of Compare To in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the phrase "compare to":

  1. "She compared her new car to a sports car, saying that it was fast and sleek."

  2. "He compared the painting to a masterpiece, saying that it was one of the most beautiful things he had ever seen."

  3. "The poet compared her love to a rose, saying that it was delicate and beautiful."

  4. "She compared the new restaurant to a five-star hotel, saying that the service and food were just as good."

  5. "He compared the new movie to a classic, saying that it was just as good as the old ones."

  6. "She compared the new phone to a computer, saying that it had all the same features."

  7. "He compared the new book to a bestseller, saying that it was just as good as the others."

  8. "She compared the new toy to a work of art, saying that it was beautifully designed."

  9. "He compared the new game to a masterpiece, saying that it was one of the best he had ever played."

  10. "She compared the new dress to a work of art, saying that it was beautiful and elegant."

Examples of Compare With in a Sentence

Here are 10 example sentences using the phrase "compare with":

  1. "We compared the two products with each other to see which one was better."

  2. "The researchers compared the results of the two experiments with each other to see if there were any differences."

  3. "She compared her work with that of her colleagues to see how she was doing."

  4. "He compared the new movie with the old ones to see if it was as good."

  5. "We compared the two proposals with each other to see which one was more feasible."

  6. "The scientists compared the results of the two studies with each other to see if there were any significant differences in the outcomes."

  7. "She compared the new phone with her old one to see if it was an upgrade."

  8. "He compared the new book with the old ones to see if it was worth reading."

  9. "She compared the new toy with her old ones to see if it was an improvement."

  10. "We compared the two plans with each other to see which one was more practical."


Compare To or Compare With
Compare To or Compare With