Quick answer: Use “compare to” when highlighting similarities between different things (often for poetic or metaphorical effect), and use “compare with” when examining both similarities and differences, typically for analysis or evaluation. In modern usage, the distinction has blurred, but careful writers still observe it.
These two phrases trip up even experienced writers because they look nearly identical and sometimes seem interchangeable. The confusion stems from overlapping meanings and evolving usage patterns over centuries. Understanding when to use each phrase will make your writing more precise and professional.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| compare to | Use when emphasizing similarities between different things, especially in metaphorical or poetic contexts | “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” |
| compare with | Use when examining both similarities and differences, typically for analytical or evaluative purposes | “Compare the 2024 sales figures with last year’s results.” |
When to use “compare to”
Use “compare to” when you’re drawing a parallel between two essentially different things, emphasizing their similarities rather than analyzing their differences. This construction works best for metaphorical comparisons, poetic language, or when you want to suggest that one thing resembles another in a meaningful way.
The phrase “compare to” implies that you’re placing two unlike things side by side to show how they’re alike. Think of Shakespeare’s famous line from Sonnet 18: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” He’s not analyzing the differences between his beloved and summer weather; he’s celebrating their shared qualities of warmth and beauty.
Here are concrete examples showing correct usage:
- “The reviewer compared the new restaurant to a five-star establishment in Paris.” (emphasizing similarity)
- “She compared his voice to velvet, smooth and rich.” (metaphorical comparison)
- “No one can compare you to your predecessor; you’re both unique leaders.” (highlighting similarity)
I’ve corrected this error countless times in manuscript editing. Just last week, I reviewed a cover letter that read: “I compared my qualifications to the other candidates.” The writer meant to analyze how their qualifications stacked up against others—a job for “compare with,” not “compare to.” We changed it to: “I compared my qualifications with those of other candidates.”
Another common mistake appears in academic writing. A student submitted: “The study compares social media usage in 2020 to 2024.” Since the study examines both similarities and differences across time periods, “compare with” is more appropriate: “The study compares social media usage in 2020 with 2024.”
According to Wikipedia’s entry on “Compare”, the verb has been used in English since the 15th century, originally from Latin “comparare” meaning “to pair together.” This historical context helps explain why the preposition choice matters—the original sense of pairing suggests careful examination, which aligns with “compare with.”
When to use “compare with”
Use “compare with” when you’re conducting a side-by-side analysis that considers both similarities and differences. This phrase works best in analytical, scientific, business, or evaluative contexts where you’re making a detailed examination rather than drawing a poetic parallel.
The phrase “compare with” suggests a more systematic approach. You’re not just saying two things are alike; you’re looking at them carefully to see how they measure up against each other. This is the phrase you’d use in research papers, business reports, product reviews, or any situation requiring objective analysis.
Here are concrete examples showing correct usage:
- “Compare the iPhone 15 with the Samsung Galaxy S24 before making your purchase decision.” (analytical comparison)
- “The researcher compared the treatment group with the control group.” (scientific analysis)
- “When you compare this year’s budget with last year’s, you’ll see a 15% increase.” (examining differences and similarities)
In my years as a copy editor, I’ve seen this mistake repeatedly in business communications. A marketing email draft read: “Compare our prices to our competitors.” Since the intent was to encourage customers to analyze both similarities and differences in pricing, “compare with” is more precise: “Compare our prices with our competitors’.”
Another real-world example: A performance review stated, “We compared her results to the team average.” Because this involves analytical evaluation—looking at how her performance measures against the average, considering both where she exceeds and falls short—”compare with” is the better choice: “We compared her results with the team average.”
The distinction becomes clearer in technical writing. A software documentation draft said: “Compare the old algorithm to the new one.” Since developers need to understand both what’s similar and what’s different between the algorithms, “compare with” serves better: “Compare the old algorithm with the new one to identify performance improvements.”
How to remember the difference
Here’s a simple memory trick that’s saved me and countless writers from making this mistake: Think “TO = Together in likeness” and “WITH = Weighing in detail.”
When you use “compare to,” you’re bringing things together to show they’re alike—like putting two similar paintings side by side to appreciate their shared beauty. The “to” points toward similarity, like saying “this is similar to that.”
When you use “compare with,” you’re weighing things against each other, examining them with a critical eye. The “with” suggests you’re working with both items, analyzing them thoroughly.
Another helpful mnemonic: “To” for poetry, “with” for work. If you’re writing something creative, romantic, or metaphorical, lean toward “compare to.” If you’re writing something analytical, professional, or evaluative, choose “compare with.”
Here’s a practical editor’s insight: When you’re editing your own writing, try substituting “liken to” for “compare to” and “measure against” for “compare with.” If “liken to” sounds natural, use “compare to.” If “measure against” fits better, use “compare with.”
For example:
- “She likened his courage to a lion’s.” ✓ (Use “compare to”)
- “She measured his courage against a lion’s.” (Awkward—use “compare with” instead)
This substitution test works because “liken to” only makes sense when emphasizing similarity, while “measure against” implies detailed analysis.
Common mistakes and exceptions
The most common mistake I encounter is using “compare to” when “compare with” is needed, especially in business and academic writing. Writers default to “compare to” because it sounds more natural in casual speech, but formal writing demands precision.
Here’s a typical error from a resume I edited: “Compared my project outcomes to industry benchmarks.” Since the person was analyzing how their outcomes measured against benchmarks (looking at both where they exceeded and fell short), it should read: “Compared my project outcomes with industry benchmarks.”
Another frequent mistake appears in product descriptions. An e-commerce listing stated: “Compare our warranty to the competition.” This should be: “Compare our warranty with the competition’s” because customers need to analyze both similarities and differences.
US vs. UK differences: While both American and British English recognize the distinction between “compare to” and “compare with,” British English tends to be slightly more prescriptive about maintaining the difference. American English has become more accepting of using “compare to” in both contexts, though careful American writers still observe the traditional distinction.
The passive voice exception: When these phrases appear in passive constructions, the same rules apply, but writers often get confused. For example:
- “Shakespeare is often compared to a god of literature.” (emphasizing similarity) ✓
- “The data was compared with previous studies.” (analytical examination) ✓
When the distinction doesn’t matter: In casual conversation or informal writing, the difference between “compare to” and “compare with” has become less critical. Many style guides now acknowledge that the phrases are often interchangeable in everyday use. However, in formal writing, academic papers, professional documents, and published work, maintaining the distinction demonstrates precision and expertise.
One exception worth noting: When you use “compare” without a following preposition, both meanings are possible. For example, “When we compare the two models, we see differences” works fine without specifying “to” or “with.”
According to Wikipedia’s article on “Compared to What”, this phrase became culturally significant through a 1960s anti-war song, showing how “compared to” has permeated everyday language as a way of questioning standards and making relative judgments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use “compare to” and “compare with” interchangeably?
In casual speech and informal writing, yes, many people use them interchangeably without confusion. However, in formal writing, academic work, and professional documents, you should maintain the traditional distinction: “compare to” for highlighting similarities, “compare with” for detailed analysis.
Which is correct: “compared to” or “compared with” in past tense?
The same rules apply regardless of tense. Use “compared to” when emphasizing similarity (“She compared his eyes to the ocean”) and “compared with” when analyzing (“He compared the results with the hypothesis”).
Is “compare with” more formal than “compare to”?
Not necessarily more formal, but “compare with” is more analytical and precise. Both phrases are appropriate in formal writing; the key is choosing the right one for your intended meaning. “Compare to” works beautifully in formal literary contexts, while “compare with” excels in scientific and business writing.
What about “in comparison to” versus “in comparison with”?
The same distinction applies. Use “in comparison to” when emphasizing similarity and “in comparison with” when conducting analysis. For example: “In comparison to her predecessor, she’s more innovative” (similarity/emphasis) versus “In comparison with last quarter, sales are up 12%” (analytical).
Susan Robinson is a seasoned language expert with over 15 years of experience specializing in English word comparisons. With a Ph.D. in English Literature from Oxford University, Susan possesses an in-depth understanding of language nuances and usage. Her academic journey revealed the profound impact of word choice on effective communication, fueling her passion for this niche field. Prior to joining WhichWordHub, Susan taught advanced ESL courses, where she developed innovative methods to clarify word distinctions for non-native speakers. At WhichWordHub, she is dedicated to crafting comprehensive guides that deconstruct complex language concepts into easily digestible information. Her articles often delve into common language pitfalls and provide practical advice on vocabulary enhancement. Susan’s goal is to foster a deeper appreciation for word precision and aid readers in mastering the art of eloquent expression.