Compare with , compare to - the difference?

[greystroke]

Hi,

In a classroom discussion on the use of compare the following sentences were used.

' Compared to our small flat, John's house is like a palace'
' Compared with Sir Donald, Sachin tendulkar is nowhere'

Is there any difference in usage between 'Compare with' and 'Compare to' in sentences like those above?

Can someone clarify please.

Thanks

Arun

 

[David L.]

These are sometimes interchangeable, but when you are stressing similarities ( or total lack of) between the items compared, the most common word is “to”: “She compared his home-made wine to toxic waste.”
If you are examining both similarities and differences, use “with”: “The teacher compared Steve’s exam with Robert’s to see whether they had cheated.” (the teacher would be noting in what places they were the same, and also how they differed.)

So, in your sentences, "to' would be more appropriate.

 

[greystroke]

Thanks David,

Your example helped me understand the difference.

Arun