When it comes to mastering English, the devil is in the details. It’s not just about knowing a bunch of words and their meanings. The real challenge lies in understanding the subtle differences between phrases that seem almost identical at first glance. And let me tell you, even small changes can pack a big punch in meaning.
This brings us to an interesting pair of contenders: “compared to” and “as compared to.” You might think they’re interchangeable, right? But here’s where it gets tricky. These two have their own unique places in the language, influencing how your message is received. Stick around because we’re about to shed some light on this distinction – but be warned, what you discover may surprise you.
When deciding which phrase to use, “compared to” or “as compared to,” it’s key to know their difference. “Compared to” is used when showing similarities between two different things. For example, “A bike moves fast compared to a car in city traffic.” Here, bikes and cars are not the same but have a point of similarity in speed within a specific context.
On the other hand, “as compared to” is often seen as more formal and may be used in writing or speeches for emphasis. It serves the same purpose of drawing a comparison but feels a bit more detailed. An example could be, “As compared to cars, bikes can navigate through city traffic more swiftly.”
In short, both phrases are about making comparisons but differ slightly in tone and formality. “Compared to” is straightforward and common in everyday language, while “as compared to” adds a touch of formality.
Introduction to Comparatives in English Grammar
Understanding comparatives is an essential part of mastering English grammar as they enable us to express differences in quality or quantity between two entities. This often involves the use of comparatives ending in “-er” or the utilization of the word “more” followed by an adjective.
Proper understanding of when to use “compared to” or “as compared to” is an extension of these comparative forms, enhancing the clarity and precision of language. In this section, we’ll provide a brief overview of the main comparative structures, their usage, and the importance of adhering to correct grammar rules in your language education.
- Comparatives ending in -er: When comparing two items with just one syllable adjectives, add “-er” to the adjective. For example, “She is smarter than her brother.”
- Comparatives with more: When comparing two items with adjectives of two or more syllables, use “more” followed by the base adjective. For example, “She is more intelligent than her brother.”
- Irregular comparatives: Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms, like “good” becoming “better” and “bad” becoming “worse.”
| Type of comparative | Example adjective | Comparative form | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ending in -er | Small | Smaller | This house is smaller than that one. |
| With more | Beautiful | More beautiful | This painting is more beautiful than that one. |
| Irregular | Good | Better | She is better at math than her friend. |
As you continue to progress in your language education, being aware of these grammar rules for comparatives will help you express differences more accurately and effectively. The distinction between “compared to” and “as compared to” closely relates to the broader principles governing comparatives in English grammar.
Clarifying the Use of “Compared To”
Understanding how to effectively use “compared to” in writing can greatly improve your ability to communicate relationships between two distinct entities. This section presents an in-depth look at the definition and appropriate contexts for using “compared to,” as well as the importance of streamlining your language to avoid redundancy.
Definition and Appropriate Contexts
“Compared to” is a versatile phrase that allows you to draw analogies or highlight similarities between two different entities. By using this phrase, you can emphasize one characteristic in relation to another and often employ an adjective to establish a comparative context. By incorporating “compared to” into your writing, you can create easily understandable comparisons that elucidate relationships between various subjects. Examples of proper usage of “compared to” include:
- The efficiency of Product A is significantly higher compared to Product B.
- River A is considerably larger compared to River B in terms of width and depth.
Streamlining the Language: Avoiding Redundancy
Streamlining your language by avoiding redundancy is an essential aspect of English language proficiency. Utilizing concise phrases such as “compared to” instead of the more cumbersome “as compared to” demonstrates an understanding of this concept.
Compared to other forms of transportation, riding a bike is notably more environmentally friendly.
In the example above, the use of “compared to” creates a clear, concise message. Including the word “as” in the phrase would make the sentence unnecessarily longer without adding any meaningful value to the comparison. By adopting a more direct and efficient approach, your writing will be clearer and more engaging for your audience.
Additionally, take note of the following table, which presents “compared to” alongside other concise phrases with a similar meaning:
| Efficient Comparison Phrases |
|---|
| Compared to |
| Relative to |
| In relation to |
By mastering the use of “compared to” and other streamlined phrases, you can communicate effectively with your audience and keep their interest when presenting comparisons. Remember, concise writing is integral to maintaining clarity and articulating your message with precision.
Examining the Phrase “As Compared To”
Although “as compared to” is functionally synonymous with the more concise “compared to,” its extra word, “as,” can make sentences appear unnecessarily cumbersome. This added verbosity is one reason why its usage is less prevalent than that of “compared to.” Native speakers and style guides generally recommend opting for the more streamlined “compared to” when making comparisons.
Consider the following two sentences:
- Napping can boost your alertness as compared to consuming a cup of coffee.
- Napping can boost your alertness compared to consuming a cup of coffee.
Both sentences deliver the same message. However, the second sentence effectively conveys the comparison without the superfluous usage of “as,” resulting in a cleaner, more concise sentence.
It is worth noting that while “as compared to” is less favored, its usage is not incorrect. In some cases, writers may still choose to use it to emphasize or vary their writing styles. As highlighted earlier, both phrases are structurally and functionally synonymous with each other, and their differences lie primarily in writing style preferences.
Additionally, be cautious of other clunky expressions when refining your writing style. Such expressions can obscure your intended message or make your text seem less polished. Becoming aware of these unrefined phrases and how they impact your writing can aid in producing clear, concise, and effective content. Here are a few examples of clunky expressions to avoid:
- Due to the fact that – Instead, use “because” or “since.”
- In order to – Simply use “to.”
- At this point in time – Replace with “currently” or “now.”
“As compared to” may not be the preferred choice in polished writing, but it remains an option for those who seek variety in their comparative phrases.
Although both “as compared to” and “compared to” serve the same comparative function, writers should generally opt for the more succinct “compared to” to create clear and efficient content. Recognizing these nuances and adapting your writing style accordingly can lead to an improved, more polished prose in your written works.
Popularity Trends: “Compared To” Dominance in Usage
The English language is ever-evolving, with some phrases gaining popularity while others fall out of favor. The competition between compared to and as compared to is a prime example of language trends shaping the way we communicate. We can examine statistical insights from literature and journalism to understand the prevalence and preference between these two expressions.
Statistical Insights from Literature and Journalism
A noteworthy data source for language trends is the frequency of specific phrases in newspapers and books. For instance, instances of compared to on The New York Times website greatly outnumber those of as compared to, reflecting a widespread preference for the former. To further illustrate the dominance of “compared to” in writing, let’s explore the trends in Google Books via Google Ngram Viewer.
The Ngram Viewer chart above demonstrates the overwhelming dominance of “compared to” over “as compared to” in published works since the early 20th century, with an increasing disparity over time. This trend indicates a preference for concise, streamlined expressions in English writing.
“Compared to” has seen a steady rise in usage, while “as compared to” has maintained a much lower and relatively stable frequency in literature and journalism.
Several factors can account for this preference, including an overall trend towards language efficiency and conciseness. By choosing the more streamlined “compared to” over “as compared to,” writers eliminate extra words without impacting the meaning or intent of their sentences. This inclination aligns with the broader linguistic trend toward clear and concise communication, which is of utmost importance in today’s fast-paced world of information consumption.
Practical Examples of “Compared To” in Sentences
Understanding the proper use of “compared to” in sentences can significantly improve your grasp of English grammar. In this section, we’ll discuss how to use “compared to” with adjectives and highlight common mistakes to avoid in comparisons.
Comparing Characteristics with Adjectives
When using “compared to,” it’s essential to use it with adjectives that describe characteristics or qualities without converting them to comparative forms. For example, instead of using “larger” with “compared to,” use “large” to maintain clear and effective comparisons. Here are some example sentences that demonstrate this:
- Her house is large compared to her neighbor’s house.
- His workload is heavy compared to his coworker’s workload.
- Coffee is more expensive compared to tea in some countries.
Notice how the adjectives “large,” “heavy,” and “expensive” are used with “compared to” rather than their comparative forms (“larger,” “heavier,” and “more expensive”).
Furthermore, take a look at the table below for side-by-side examples using “compared to” with adjectives:
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
|---|---|
| Her voice is loud compared to his. | Her voice is louder compared to his. |
| This task is challenging compared to the previous one. | This task is more challenging compared to the previous one. |
| The new design is simple compared to the old one. | The new design is simpler compared to the old one. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Comparisons
Now that we’ve established how to use “compared to” with adjectives, let’s examine some common mistakes to avoid in comparisons:
Incorrect: His car is faster compared to her car.
Correct: His car is fast compared to her car.
Incorrect: The weather is hotter compared to yesterday.
Correct: The weather is hot compared to yesterday.
As shown in these examples, a frequent error is the redundant usage of comparative adjectives with “compared to.” To rectify this, you can either revert to the base form of the adjective or use the construction that employs “than” with the comparative adjective:
- His car is faster than her car.
- The weather is hotter than yesterday.
By incorporating these language instructions and being mindful of your comparisons, you’ll proficiently use “compared to” in your everyday communication, improving the clarity and accuracy of your English grammar.
Usage Scenarios for “As Compared To” in Writing
Although “as compared to” is not the commonly preferred phrase in polished writing, it is grammatically correct and serves the same comparative purposes as “compared to.” In some writing styles and scenarios, you might opt for using “as compared to” in order to convey similarities or differences between two subjects.
Here are some examples of when “as compared to” might be used in various types of writing:
- Academic papers: In certain academic disciplines or styles, “as compared to” may be more accepted and preferred, allowing writers to focus on the nuances within their research.
- Creative writing: Fiction writers or poets might choose “as compared to” to create a specific rhythm or flow in their prose or verses, or for the sake of emphasizing aspects of a comparison.
- Ad copy: In marketing materials or advertising copy, “as compared to” can be employed as a stylistic choice to create a sense of contrast and make one’s product or service stand out against competitors.
In each of these scenarios, using “as compared to” is feasible and can meet the intended comparative goals. For those who find the longer phrase more appealing in specific contexts, its use remains grammatically sound.
Example: “The cost of living in urban areas, as compared to rural areas, is significantly higher.”
It is essential to consider the needs of the audience and the stylistic guidelines for the specific writing format in question. When in doubt, using “compared to” remains the safer and more concise option.
Exploring Synonyms and Alternatives to “Compared To”
Expanding one’s lexicon is always valuable, and when it comes to making comparisons, there are several alternative phrases and expressions that can be used in place of “compared to.”
Some common synonyms and alternative expressions for “compared to” include:
- as opposed to
- contrasted to
- in contrast with
- in comparison to
It’s important to bear in mind that while these phrases are similar in function to “compared to,” they can have nuanced differences in meaning and style. Let’s explore these options more closely.
Expanding Vocabulary with Similar Expressions
“As opposed to” emphasizes the notion of something being chosen or preferred over another option.
For example: Martha prefers working from home as opposed to commuting to the office every day.
“Contrasted to” and “in contrast with” both explicitly focus on the differences between the items being compared.
For example: The minimalist design of the website is contrasted to the cluttered layout of its competitors.
Or: The vibrant colors of the painting stand in contrast with the muted tones of the surrounding art.
“In comparison to” serves a similar purpose to “compared to” but can sound slightly more formal.
For example: Bobby’s performance on the exam, in comparison to his classmates, was exceptional.
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| as opposed to | She chose the bike as opposed to the scooter. |
| contrasted to | The prices are high contrasted to the shop next door. |
| in contrast with | The minimalist design is in contrast with the city’s noisy surroundings. |
| in comparison to | In comparison to its competitors, the company offers better deals. |
By incorporating these alternative expressions into your writing, you can diversify your style and ensure that your comparisons remain engaging and effective.
Grammatical Nuances and Preposition Choices
As you explore the intricacies of English grammar, one essential aspect to consider is the appropriate usage of prepositions in comparative expressions. While compared to and compared with are both grammatically correct, the former has become more common in modern language. Recognizing the context in which each phrase is best suited can help you make better preposition choices in your writing.
Choosing Between “With” and “To” in Comparisons
The subtle difference between compared to and compared with lies in the nuances they convey. While compared to is generally used for analogies and similarities, compared with is often employed when contrasting differences. As you polish your grammar skills, understanding these distinctions will enhance the preciseness and effectiveness of your comparative expressions.
Correct Positioning and Punctuation with “Compared”
In addition to preposition choices, it’s crucial to grasp proper sentence positioning and punctuation when using compared. Remember that “compared” should not be preceded by a comma, as it is an integral verb within the sentence structure. Furthermore, sentences can begin with “compared to” or “as compared to,” yet you’ll need a comma to set off the comparison from the main clause. Keeping these grammar nuances in mind will undoubtedly improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.
