Compared to vs. Compared with – Which is Correct?

The choice between “compared to” and “compared with” depends on the nuance of the comparison. Use “compared to” when highlighting similarities or likening one thing to another. Use “compared with” when examining differences, similarities, or conducting a detailed analysis between two or more items.

Compared to or Compared with – Which is Correct?

Both “compared to” and “compared with” are grammatically correct in American English, but they serve distinct purposes. The key lies in understanding the intent behind your comparison. Choosing the wrong phrase can subtly alter the meaning of your sentence.

“Compared to” is typically used when you are pointing out a similarity or likening one thing to another, often for illustrative or rhetorical effect. You are drawing an analogy or showing that one thing resembles another.

“Compared with” is used when you are examining two or more items to highlight their similarities, differences, or both, in a more analytical or systematic way. It implies a side-by-side assessment.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

A simple mnemonic to remember the difference is to think of the preposition itself:

• Think of “compared to” as saying “similar to” or “likened to.” If you’re drawing an analogy, use “to.”
• Think of “compared with” as saying “together with” for analysis. If you’re putting two things side-by-side for a detailed examination, use “with.”

Another trick is the “Analogy vs. Analysis” test. If you’re making an analogy, use “compared to.” If you’re performing an analysis, use “compared with.”

Word/Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Compared to	Prepositional phrase	To point out similarities; to liken one thing to another.	Her smile was compared to the rising sun.
Compared with	Prepositional phrase	To examine for similarities and/or differences; to analyze side-by-side.	The new budget was compared with last year’s figures.

How to Use Compared to

“Compared to” is employed when you want to emphasize a resemblance, draw an analogy, or illustrate a point by likening one thing to another. It implies that the comparison is being made to highlight a shared characteristic or to put something in perspective through a similar example. The tone can range from poetic and illustrative to simply highlighting a shared quality.

Example 1: The poet’s words were compared to music, flowing effortlessly. (Likening words to music due to their shared quality of flow and rhythm.)

Example 2: His small apartment seemed vast compared to the tiny room he lived in last year. (Highlighting the relative size by likening it to a previous, smaller space.)

Example 3: You can’t compare apples to oranges; they are entirely different fruits. (A common idiom illustrating that two things are too dissimilar to be meaningfully likened.)

Etymology of the phrase compared to

The word “compare” comes from the Latin comparare, meaning “to pair, match, put together.” It combines com- (“with, together”) and parare (“to make ready, prepare”). The preposition “to” has its roots in Old English, signifying movement toward or a relationship of destination or analogy. The usage of “compared to” for likening has been present in English for centuries, emphasizing the idea of bringing one thing towards another in terms of resemblance.

How to Use Compared with

“Compared with” is used when the intention is to conduct a detailed, analytical examination of two or more entities, looking for both their similarities and their differences. This usage is common in academic, scientific, and business contexts where precise analysis is required. It suggests a thorough, often objective, evaluation.

Example 1: The company’s quarterly profits were significantly higher compared with the previous quarter. (A direct, analytical comparison of financial data.)

Example 2: When the new software was compared with its predecessor, several improvements were noted. (A side-by-side evaluation of features and performance.)

Example 3: Scientists compared the effectiveness of two different vaccines with a placebo. (A rigorous, analytical study involving multiple variables.)

Etymology of the phrase compared with

As with “compared to,” the root of “compare” is the Latin comparare. The preposition “with” also originates from Old English, meaning “against, in opposition to, in the company of.” This sense of “together with” or “in relation to” underpins its use in analytical comparisons. Over time, “compared with” evolved to specifically denote the act of examining things in conjunction to ascertain their relative qualities, often highlighting distinctions or an objective assessment.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts, particularly regarding prepositions, helps clarify the appropriate use of “compared to” and “compared with.”

• Prepositions: Prepositions like “to” and “with” introduce phrases that show relationships between elements in a sentence. Their specific meaning can subtly but significantly alter the overall message. “To” often implies direction, result, or an analogy, while “with” implies accompaniment, instrument, or a relationship of comparison.
• Contextual Meaning: The correct choice between “compared to” and “compared with” is heavily reliant on context. The surrounding words and the overall intent of the sentence dictate which preposition is most appropriate to convey the precise meaning of the comparison.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages. At first the infant, mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms. And then the whining school-boy, with his satchel and shining morning face, creeping like snail unwillingly to school. And then the lover, sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad made to his mistress’ eyebrow.” – William Shakespeare, As You Like It (implied: human life compared to a play)
• “How can you compare the sun to a candle? They are both sources of light, but one is infinitely more powerful.” – A common rhetorical question emphasizing difference through an analogy.
• “The economic growth rate of the nation was compared with that of its regional neighbors to assess its competitive standing.” – From a financial news report, June 2, 2026.
• “Her new novel has been compared to the works of Jane Austen for its sharp wit and social commentary.” – A literary review, highlighting stylistic similarities.
• “In their study, researchers compared the long-term health outcomes of participants who exercised regularly with those who led sedentary lifestyles.” – A scientific journal abstract, detailing an analytical study.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The new smartphone’s camera was excellent _____ its predecessor.
2. Her laughter was often _____ the sound of wind chimes.
3. When his performance was _____ the team’s average, it was clear he excelled.
4. She bravely went into battle, her courage _____ a lion’s roar.
5. The architect presented a detailed analysis, _____ the proposed design _____ the current building codes.

Answer Key

1. with
2. to
3. compared with
4. compared to
5. comparing, with

Compared to Synonyms

While “compared to” is a specific phrase, synonyms for the *act of likening or analogizing* can be useful.

Synonym	Definition
Likened to	Described as similar to; compared in terms of resemblance.
Analogous to	Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the things compared.
Equated with	Considered to be the same as or equivalent to.
Resembles	Has qualities or features in common with (something or someone); look or seem like.

Compared with Synonyms

For the analytical sense of “compared with,” synonyms for *contrasting or evaluating* are appropriate.

Synonym	Definition
Contrasted with	Compared in such a way as to show differences.
Evaluated against	Assessed or judged in relation to certain criteria or another item.
Measured against	Assessed the quality, extent, or value of something by comparison with a standard or another item.
Weighed against	Considered the relative importance or value of (two or more things).

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can I use “compared to” and “compared with” interchangeably?
No, while both are grammatically correct, they carry different implications. Using them interchangeably can lead to a less precise or even incorrect meaning, especially in formal or technical writing.

Question 2: Is one form more formal than the other?
“Compared with” is generally perceived as more formal or academic due to its association with analytical and objective comparisons. “Compared to” can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when drawing analogies or making illustrative points.

Question 3: What if I’m unsure which to use?
If you are simply pointing out a similarity or using a metaphor, opt for “compared to.” If you are undertaking a detailed analysis, examining differences, or evaluating against a standard, “compared with” is the safer and more accurate choice.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between “compared to” and “compared with” enhances the clarity and precision of your writing. Remember that “compared to” is for likening and drawing analogies, while “compared with” is for performing a detailed analysis of similarities and differences. Paying attention to these nuances demonstrates a strong command of the English language.

Pro Tip: In professional or academic settings, always lean towards “compared with” when presenting data, research findings, or any form of critical evaluation, as it signals a thorough and objective analysis. Using the correct phrase reflects positively on your attention to detail and linguistic accuracy.