Compare To vs. Compare With
Compare To vs. Compare With presents the Language Portal of Canada distinction between likening and analytical comparison.
Use compare to when expressing a likeness; use compare with when putting things side by side to examine similarities and differences.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| express a likeness | compare to | Use when likening one thing to another. |
| examine similarities and differences side by side | compare with | Use for analytical comparison. |
Quick tests
Purpose test
Is the sentence mainly likening one thing to another rather than examining them side by side?
If yes: Use “compare to.”
If no: Use “compare with” for an analytical examination of similarities and differences.
Examples
The reviewer compared the small device to a pocket notebook.
The sentence expresses a likeness.
The report compares this year’s results with last year’s.
The sentence examines two sets of results side by side.
Choose the preposition by the intended relationship, not by a claim that one form is always correct.
The reviewed Canadian guidance distinguishes the two uses.
Further guidance
Core difference
Government of Canada guidance uses compare to to express likeness and compare with for side-by-side analysis of similarities and differences.
Style Boundary
Real usage can overlap, but this distinction is a useful editing convention when the intended function is clear.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- compare to, compare with (opens in a new tab)Government of Canada — Language Portal of Canada · Government language guidance distinguishing compare to from compare with