In my last tip, I demonstrated the difference between compare to and compare with. Either phrase could be correct, depending on the intention to focus on similarity (compare to) or difference (compare with).
However, when you make comparison, you should always use the preposition to. Make comparison with is never correct. Thus, the writer should change the sample sentence in the image to the following:
However, when you make comparison, you should always use the preposition to. Make comparison with is never correct. Thus, the writer should change the sample sentence in the image to the following:
In comparison to 17-4 PH stainless steel, Type 410 stainless steel is heat-treatable.
Why is with unacceptable here whereas before it was acceptable? I’m not certain why. Looking back to my tip regarding the use of compare to and compare with, the word compare there is used in the verb form. For the sample above, the related cousin word comparison is used here in the noun form. Why should that make a difference?
Again, I’m not entirely certain. Language is constantly evolving. And especially with a borrowed language like English, sometimes a word usage can evolve in one direction or at a one rate while the same or similar word in a different usage can evolve in a different direction or at a different rate.
I am certain, however, that respecting important distinctions, however they came to be, makes for clearer writing. And clearer writing always makes for better writing.
Again, I’m not entirely certain. Language is constantly evolving. And especially with a borrowed language like English, sometimes a word usage can evolve in one direction or at a one rate while the same or similar word in a different usage can evolve in a different direction or at a different rate.
I am certain, however, that respecting important distinctions, however they came to be, makes for clearer writing. And clearer writing always makes for better writing.
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