Explanations 
Flashcards 
StudySmarter AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Exams 
Magazine 
Find a job 
Mobile App 
Jump to a key chapter
Comparison Meaning
Comparisons can be broken down grammatically and logically.
A comparison aims to measure the similarities of two or more things.
In doing so, a comparison can highlight contrasts as well. This is why, sometimes, you will see comparisons paired with contrasts rhetorically.
When writing an essay, you will use comparison in a grammatical manner in order to create logical arguments. Start with understanding the grammar.
Types of Comparisons in English Grammar
There are two types of comparison in English grammar: the comparative and the superlative.
Comparative comparisons indicate a relationship of more or less between two things.
Here is an example of a comparative comparison.
The Enterprise is a larger ship than the Voyager.
On the other hand...
Superlative comparisons indicate a relationship of most or least within a group of things.
Here is an example of a superlative comparison.
The Enterprise is the largest ship in the fleet.
In these examples, follow the adjective (large). This is where you can find the type of comparison being made!
An adjective describes a noun (a person, place, thing, or idea).
That said, you can also see this kind of comparison in adverbs.
Adverbs of Comparison
Also called comparative adverbs, adverbs of comparison occur in the same two familiar forms: comparative and superlative.
An adverb describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
Take the adverb, “hardily.” Here is it used in a comparative comparison.
The dwarf ate more hardily than the other adventurers.
Take a different adverb, “lively.” Here it is used in a superlative comparison.
During the dance, the dwarf was the least lively member of the gang.
Importance of Using Comparison in Your Essay
Now that the various kinds of grammatical comparisons are understood, it’s time to use them in your essay. Because comparisons highlight similarities and proportions in things, they are great for making a point. Here’s an example.
Bunting Beach has a rat problem. According to a study by RatMetric, Bunting Beach has the most rats per person among cities of its size.
Now imagine this as a thesis and a body paragraph. The thesis would be that Bunting Beach has a rat problem that needs to be fixed. This statistic would be the featured piece of evidence of a body paragraph. It would support the claim that Bunting Beach has a rat problem.
The comparison in this example helps to show scale and scope. Words like more, less, most, and least provide a point of reference. It tells you not only how many rats Bunting Beach has, but also how many more it has than other cities.
Fig. 1 - Comparatively, Hunting Beach has a rat problem.
Think of it this way. Which of these two examples has a greater persuasive impact?
The water supply in Windingo has a lead level in the drinking water of 100µg/dL. This has to change.
The water supply in Windingo has a lead level in the drinking water of 100µg/dL. This is 20 times more than is considered safe.
If your audience is not an expert in your topic, comparisons can provide common examples and easy-to-comprehend ratios. A comparison is an important tool for any essay writer because it allows the writer to frame their argument relative to the world.
Comparison Example (Essay)
Here is how you might use comparison in an English essay.
Although Robin Hood is meant to be the villain in this alternate retelling of the classic tale, he remains among the most charitable men in Nottingham. On page 129, Robin Hood gives five hundred coins to the sheriff’s daughter. Compare that to Sir Guy, the would-be hero. Through the first 300 pages, Sir Guy spends “nine-hundred coin on his attempts to thwart the royal suck-up, Robin Hood.” (302) If you tally up the monies that Sir Guy counts in his journal entries, Sir Guy stole 1245 coins. This means that he had more money than Robin Hood gave to the sheriff’s daughter—by over twice as much—and proceeded to squander 75% on futile attempts to stop the “green-capped cur.” At most, Sir Guy gave away 345 coins, and that’s assuming he had no other expenses and kept none for himself. Sir Guy certainly knows how to do less with more."
These comparisons are equally humorous and illuminating. The essayist compares the amount of money that Robin Hood and Sir Guy spend and concludes that despite Robin Hood being the villain of the book, he is more charitable than Sir Guy, the protagonist.
Fig. 2 - Use more and less to draw a startling comparison.
Your comparisons don’t have to deal with hard numbers like this, but numerical comparisons do make for persuasive writing.
Quantify your arguments if you can, to impart the power of numbers!
Tips for Using Comparison in Your Essay
However you write your comparisons, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Use a comparison to keep your reader in the loop. Think back to the lead example. Comparing the lead levels to the national average gave the reader needed context.
Use a comparison to show the scale and scope of your thesis. You can show how big and important something is by comparing it to something smaller. You can also show how small or insignificant something is by comparing it to something bigger.
When writing a comparison, stay relevant. Don’t compare your evidence to loosely related concepts and ideas. This could result in a rhetorical fallacy (logical fallacy).
When writing a comparison, be accurate. Keep your numbers and ideas straight. Again, when a comparison goes awry, you could end up writing something false.
Comparison - Key takeaways
- A comparison aims to measure the similarities of two or more things.
- Comparative comparisons indicate a relationship of more or less between two things.
- Superlative comparisons indicate a relationship of most or least within a group of things.
- A comparison is an important tool for any essay writer because it allows the writer to frame their argument relative to the world.
- Use a comparison to keep your reader in the loop, and to show the scale and scope of your thesis.
Learn faster with the 10 flashcards about Comparison
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Comparison
What is comparison?
A comparison aims to measure the similarities of two or more things.
What are the types of comparison?
Comparative and superlative. Comparative comparisons indicate a relationship of more or less between two things. Superlative comparisons indicate a relationship of most or least within a group of things.
What is an example of a comparison?
According to a study by RatMetric, Bunting Beach has the most rats per person among cities of its size.
What is the importance of a comparison?
The comparison is an important tool for any essay writer because it allows the writer to frame their argument relative to the world.
About StudySmarter
StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn more