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Zeneclick Posted 14 years ago
Essay & Composition Writing
Should use "compare to" or "compare with" in this statement ?
Dear teachers,
I know that there are many tips about distinguishing between "compare to" and "compare with". As my understanding, "compare to" is used to point out a similar and "compare with" is usually used to point out a contrast
But in this statement, should I use which of them?
- Net absorption reached 270 units, a decrease of 25% compared to the previous quarter
- Net absorption reached 270 units, a decrease of 25% compared with the previous quarter
May be "compare with" correct but why? is that word of "decrease" indicates a contrast ?
In case that net absorption in the previous quarter was also small, for example, 1Q05 (1000 units), 2Q05 (312 units), 3Q05 (now, 250 units). I saw the same situation of bad market, Could I use "compare to" ?
Thank you
I know that there are many tips about distinguishing between "compare to" and "compare with". As my understanding, "compare to" is used to point out a similar and "compare with" is usually used to point out a contrast
But in this statement, should I use which of them?
- Net absorption reached 270 units, a decrease of 25% compared to the previous quarter
- Net absorption reached 270 units, a decrease of 25% compared with the previous quarter
May be "compare with" correct but why? is that word of "decrease" indicates a contrast ?
In case that net absorption in the previous quarter was also small, for example, 1Q05 (1000 units), 2Q05 (312 units), 3Q05 (now, 250 units). I saw the same situation of bad market, Could I use "compare to" ?
Thank you
Top answer
My view is that either with or to is OK. But I don't think the expression sits well in the context, as it's obvious that a comparison is being made. So "a decrease of 25% on the previous quarter" is sufficient.
- My view is that either with or to is OK.
- But I don't think the expression sits well in the context, as it's obvious that a comparison is being made.
- So "a decrease of 25% on the previous quarter" is sufficient.
- Usually compared with/to indicates some difference is being highlighted.
- So you might say, compared with the Sahara Desert, Britain has a lot of rain.
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2 Answers
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My view is that either with or to is OK. But I don't think the expression sits well in the context, as it's obvious that a comparison is being made. So "a decrease of 25% on the previous quarter" is sufficient. Usually compared with/to indicates some difference is being highlighted. So you might say, compared with the Sahara Desert, Britain has a lot of rain.
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