Why use comparisons

Transitions such as "and," "but," "in addition," "in contrast," "furthermore," and "on the other hand" can also be used to show comparison. See our website page on transitions and sentence structures and types of sentences for more information and examples.

Didn't find what you need? Search our website or email us. Read our website accessibility and accommodation statement. Grammar: Comparisons. Print Page Report a broken link. Adjective and Adverb Comparative Structures Adjectives and adverbs can be used to make comparisons.

Business school was less expensive than law school. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar.

The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be. Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool.

In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference. Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast.

Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals. Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples. Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items.

Then come up with one difference and three similarities. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting, or both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader.

Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting. Thesis statement: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny. Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted organic versus conventional vegetables , and it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader.

You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Log in Sign Up. Save Word. Definition of comparison. Examples of comparison in a Sentence a comparison of the data from the two studies the comparison of monkeys to humans I don't think comparisons of her situation and mine are appropriate.

First Known Use of comparison 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1. History and Etymology for comparison Middle English, from Anglo-French comparison , from Latin comparation-, comparatio , from comparare — see compare entry 1.

Learn More About comparison. Time Traveler for comparison The first known use of comparison was in the 14th century See more words from the same century. Style: MLA. English Language Learners Definition of comparison. Kids Definition of comparison.