NewsBlues mrsbgrammar Page 117
Chapter 2 Word Choice
107
compare to/compare with
Mrs. B's conversation with a Muslim in the Washington, D.C.,
area inspired today's lesson.
A 43-year-old from Saudi Arabia, who shares both Osama bin
Laden's country of origin and his age, compared the cold-blooded
killer to Hitler.
Why "compare to" instead of "compare with"?
"Compare to" is about likeness.
v
The TV critic COMPARED their 5:30 anchor TO our noon
anchor because they have similar styles.
"Compare with" is about analyzing for similarities AND differences.
v
When you COMPARE our early news WITH that of the
competition, they look a lot alike; but our graphics are striking.
Mrs. B reminds you that using the correct word could make a
striking difference in your news appeal.
"Eloquence is a painting of the thoughts."
--Blaise Pascal, philosopher and mathematician (1623-1662)
