[Grammar] Compare to vs compare with

[nyggus]

Hi,

In general, it seems no problem: "Compare with" is used to examine differences while "compare with" to consider similarities (at least following CALD definitions). Yet "compared to" is very often used also with the former meaning, and in fact CALD gives such examples:

- This road is quite busy compared to/with ours.
- Children seem to learn more interesting things compared to/with when we were at school.

Is there freedom in the use of the preposition (to/with) when "compare" is used to examine differences?

And another question. There is this often used phrase, "as compared to", which means "compared to/with" (in my eyes, at least). Is it a fully correct phrase?

Thanks,
Nyggus

[Tdol]

I think they can be used pretty much interchangeably.

[nyggus]

Originally Posted by Tdol

I think they can be used pretty much interchangeably.

Thanks, Tdol. And what about the "as compared to" question?

Nyggus

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by nyggus

Thanks, Tdol. And what about the "as compared to" question?

Nyggus

I don't think as is necessary. "as compared to" means "compared to".