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Prepositions after verbs

Compare to vs compare with

Both compare to and compare with are standard in English, but they are used slightly differently. Compare to often highlights similarity, while compare with usually examines similarities and differences.

Quick answer

Which preposition goes with compare?

Use compare to when showing that two things are similar or making a metaphorical link. Use compare with when examining two things side by side. Both are common and correct in modern English.

The critic compared the singer to a young Bowie.
We compared the two reports with last year's data.
Teachers often compare students with their classmates.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
compare A to B

Showing similarity or making an analogy

Use compare to when one thing is presented as similar to another, often in descriptive or creative language.

She compared the city to a living museum.
The coach compared him to a young champion.
2
compare A with B

Examining differences and similarities

Use compare with for detailed analysis between two or more things.

Scientists compared the results with earlier studies.
I compared this model with the cheaper version.
3
compare yourself with + person/group

Talking about personal comparison

Compare with is common when people judge themselves against others.

Don't compare yourself with influencers online.
Children sometimes compare themselves with their friends.
4
compared to + noun

Using compared to in reduced clauses

Compared to can introduce a short comparison clause.

Compared to last winter, this season feels mild.
Compared to the original, the remake is shorter.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
compare to
Many people compare the internet to a public library.
Shows resemblance or creates an analogy.
compare with
The report compares this year's sales with last year's.
Examines two things side by side.
compare against
The app compares your score against national averages.
Measures performance or standards against something.
compare between
Incorrect: We compared between the two cars.
Compare does not normally take between directly.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using compare between

Compare is not usually followed directly by between.

✕ We compared between the two plans. ✓ We compared the two plans.

Confusing compare to and compare with

Both are correct, but compare with is more natural for detailed analysis.

✕ The study compared the results to previous surveys. ✓ The study compared the results with previous surveys.

Leaving out the object

Compare usually needs both things being compared.

✕ She compared with her sister. ✓ She compared herself with her sister.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The teacher compared the poem ___ a piece of music.
2. We compared the new software ___ the old system.
3. ___ last year, profits are higher now.

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Frequently asked questions

Is compare to always more literary?

No. Compare to is common in everyday English when speakers highlight similarity.

Can I use compare with for people?

Yes. Compare with is natural when judging yourself or someone else against another person or group.

Is compare against correct?

Yes. Compare against is common when measuring performance, standards, or data.

calculate, by, calculate, in, calculate, from "call for" or "call on"? "campaign for" or "campaign against"? cancel by, due, at, in or for? capitulate to, in, like, by or after? captivate by, for, with, from or in? "capture by" or "capture in"? "care about" or "care for"? carry with, by, in, to or into? carve into, out, in, on or with? cast in, into, for, by or on? "catch in", "catch by" or "catch on"?

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