why use for and with?

Question

He found that self-rejection in obese girls was 63% higher than for non-obese girls.

And in one group of obese girls, the rate of class failure was 24% higher than with their non-obese counterparts.

Why is 'for' used in the first sentence? Can it be deleted?

Why is 'with' used in the second sentence? Can it be deleted?

Thanks

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

He found that self-rejection in obese girls was 63% higher than for non-obese girls.

It's not careful writing. Careful writing would explain what is being measured, eg 63% of what? Perhaps 'the degree/rate/frequency/incidence etc.'

And in one group of obese girls, the rate of class failure was 24% higher than with their non-obese counterparts.

Why is 'for' used in the first sentence? I would repeat 'in'. Can it be deleted?

Why is 'with' used in the second sentence? Again, I would repeat what was said in the first part - 'in'. Can it be deleted?

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

In these kinds of comparisons, for and with often appear when, strictly speaking, there should be a match with the preposition used earlier -- both in in the case of your examples above.

He found that self-rejection in obese girls ... than in non-obese girls.
And in one group ... than in their non-obese counterparts.

Strictly, the second would compare group to group.

And in one group ... than in the group of non-obese girls.

In any case, if we allow some flexibility, for and with can be used instead of the strictly parallel preposition. But you would not delete the preposition entirely.

CJ

why use for and with?

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