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Prepositions with nouns

In comparison vs by comparison

Both phrases are correct but used differently. By comparison is more common for contrasting two things directly.

Quick answer

What is the difference?

By comparison introduces a contrast with another situation. In comparison is also possible, especially in the phrase in comparison with or in comparison to.

by comparison, the newer model is cheaper.
in comparison with last year, sales increased.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
by comparison

Making a direct contrast

Use by comparison to show that something looks different when compared with another thing.

By comparison, the office was quiet.
2
in comparison with + noun

Comparing two things

Use in comparison with for a formal comparison.

in comparison with previous data
3
in comparison to + noun

Alternative comparison phrase

In comparison to is also common, especially in American English.

in comparison to older systems

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
in comparison
In comparison with 2023, profits rose.
formal comparative phrase
by comparison
The second option is cheaper by comparison.
direct contrast
comparison with
The comparison with earlier studies was useful.
noun followed by with
comparison to
Her comparison to a chess master was surprising.
comparison to can suggest similarity

Common mistakes

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

Using by comparison with an object directly

By comparison usually stands alone rather than taking a noun immediately after it.

✕ by comparison last year ✓ in comparison with last year

Confusing comparison to and comparison with

To may suggest analogy, while with often means detailed comparison.

✕ a detailed comparison to the report ✓ a detailed comparison with the report

Using in comparison alone awkwardly

In comparison often sounds clearer with with or to.

✕ In comparison, this number. ✓ In comparison with last year, this number increased.

Omitting the comparison target

Readers need to know what is being compared.

✕ Sales improved by comparison. ✓ Sales improved by comparison with last quarter.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. ___ comparison, the first draft was much weaker.
2. Profits increased ___ comparison with last year.
3. Her performance was excellent ___ comparison to the others.

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Frequently asked questions

Which is more common: by comparison or in comparison?

By comparison is especially common for short contrasts. In comparison often appears with with or to.

Can I say comparison with and comparison to?

Yes. Comparison with often means detailed comparison, while comparison to may suggest similarity or analogy.

Is by comparison formal?

It works in both formal and everyday English.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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