Comparing and Contrasting in English: Useful Words, Phrases, and Idioms

Hello, English learners! In this lesson, you will learn useful words and phrases for comparing and contrasting in English. This is an important part of everyday communication, but it is especially useful in essays, articles, reviews, and speaking exams such as B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE).

When you compare things, you show how they are similar. When you contrast them, you show how they are different. Being able to do both clearly will make your English sound more precise, more natural, and more advanced.

Let us look at some of the most useful expressions.

1. Comparative forms

The most basic way to compare two people, things, or actions is by using the comparative form of adjectives and adverbs.

Examples:

• London is far bigger than Vienna.
• People often sleep less as they get older.
• Ryan drives faster than I do.
• This exercise is easier than the previous one.

Comparatives are simple, but they are the foundation of comparison in English.

2. Compared to / Compared with

We use compared to and compared with when we want to examine the difference or similarity between two things. They are especially common when talking about figures, situations, and changes over time.

Examples:

• This novel is disappointing compared with his previous one.
• The number of accidents was lower this year compared to last year.
• My life now is nothing compared to what it was ten years ago.

You may also see as compared to, especially in more formal writing.

Examples:

• Life expectancy is much higher today as compared to a century ago.
• Their profits have increased significantly as compared to their first year in business.

3. Likewise

Likewise means in the same way or similarly. It is often used to show that one person or thing does the same as another.

Examples:

• Pam picked up a pencil and started writing, and she told the students to do likewise.
• Boris started running every morning, and his girlfriend decided to do likewise.
• She enjoys hiking in the mountains; likewise, her brother loves outdoor activities.

It is a very useful word in formal and semi-formal English.

4. Similarly

Similarly is used to show that two things are alike in some way.

Examples:

• The two essays were similarly structured.
• Similarly to his brother, he showed a strong interest in literature.
• Plants need water to grow. Similarly, they need enough light.
• Food prices have risen sharply. Similarly, the cost of clothing has gone up.

This is an excellent linking word for essays and academic writing.

5. Unlike

Unlike is used to show a clear difference between two people or things.

Examples:

• Tom was very polite, unlike most of the children in the camp.
• Unlike you, I am always on time.
• She seemed unlike anyone he had ever met before.

This word is short, elegant, and very effective — rather like a good cup of tea: simple, but it does the job beautifully.

6. In proportion to

We use in proportion to when we talk about the relationship between two quantities or sizes.

Examples:

• The dog’s ears looked large in proportion to its head.
• People’s spending often rises in proportion to their income.
• The company expanded its workforce in proportion to demand.

This phrase is especially useful in formal writing, statistics, and descriptions.

7. In contrast / By contrast

In contrast and by contrast are used to highlight a difference between two things, often quite a strong one.

Examples:

• In contrast to boys, baby girls often begin speaking earlier.
• The island is hot and dry in summer. In contrast, the winter months are cold and wet.
• City life can be fast and stressful. By contrast, village life is usually slower and quieter.

These expressions are very common in essays and reports.

8. As opposed to

As opposed to is a more formal phrase used to show a contrast or preference.

Examples:

• You should give your own opinion, as opposed to copying ideas from the internet.
• Chimpanzees, as opposed to many other animals, can recognise themselves in a mirror.
• This year’s model costs £23,000, as opposed to £25,000 last year.

This phrase sounds quite advanced, so it is very useful in formal writing.

9. Different from

We use different from to say that two things are not the same.

Examples:

• Although they are twins, they are very different from each other.
• This book is quite different from anything I have read before.
• Since returning home, he has seemed different from the man we once knew.

In British English, different from is generally the safest and most natural choice.

10. Whereas

Whereas is used to introduce a contrast between two parts of a sentence.

Examples:

• He is tall and slim, whereas his wife is short and curvy.
• Whereas butter is made from milk, margarine is made from vegetable oils.
• The north of the country is mountainous, whereas the south is flat.

This word is especially useful in formal and academic English.

11. Make or draw a parallel

If you make or draw a parallel, you identify a similarity between two things in order to explain or emphasise a point.

Examples:

• In her documentary, the director draws a parallel between modern eating habits and those of thirty years ago.
• The writer made a parallel between the two political leaders.
• Historians often draw parallels between ancient societies and modern ones.

This phrase is very useful when writing essays, articles, and analyses.

12. Make or draw a distinction

If you make or draw a distinction, you point out an important difference between two things.

Examples:

• The law draws a distinction between full-time and part-time employees.
• She made a clear distinction between the two theories.
• It is important to draw a distinction between popularity and quality.

This is another excellent phrase for formal writing.

13. On the one hand … on the other hand …

We use this structure to present two contrasting sides of a situation.

Examples:

• On the one hand, I enjoy the peace of the countryside; on the other hand, I miss the convenience of the city.
• On the one hand, he wanted a better salary; on the other hand, he did not want to leave his colleagues.
• On the one hand, working from home saves time; on the other hand, it can feel isolating.

This phrase is perfect for essays where you need to discuss both sides of an argument.

Idioms for Comparing and Contrasting

Now let us look at some useful idioms. These are excellent for improving your vocabulary and making your English sound richer and more expressive.

14. A far cry from

If something is a far cry from something else, it is very different from it.

Examples:

• The village where she grew up is a far cry from the busy city she lives in now.
• Their final result was a far cry from what they had promised.
• Her current lifestyle is a far cry from her difficult childhood.

15. A world of difference

This idiom means a very big difference.

Examples:

• The new roof made a world of difference to the old house.
• There is a world of difference between talking about success and actually achieving it.
• A little encouragement can make a world of difference.

16. Birds of a feather

This comes from the saying Birds of a feather flock together. It means that people with similar interests or personalities tend to spend time together.

Examples:

• It is no surprise they became close friends — they are birds of a feather.
• Those two colleagues are birds of a feather, both ambitious and highly organised.
• The group bonded quickly because they were birds of a feather.

17. Chalk and cheese

If two people or things are like chalk and cheese, they are completely different.

Examples:

• The two sisters are like chalk and cheese.
• His approach to teaching is chalk and cheese compared with mine.
• Their personalities are chalk and cheese.

This is a lovely traditional idiom — and much more colourful than simply saying very different.

18. Poles apart

If two things are poles apart, they are completely different, especially in opinions, attitudes, or character.

Examples:

• Their views on education are poles apart.
• Lorna’s taste in music is poles apart from her husband’s.
• The two brothers are poles apart in personality.

Common mistakes with comparing and contrasting in English

1. Different than / different from
   In British English, different from is the safest choice.

• Correct: My new job is very different from the old one.

2. Compared to / compared with
   Both are used, but learners should focus on using them clearly and naturally.

• Compared with last year, sales increased.
• Compared to his previous book, this one is much darker.

3. Unlike + noun / pronoun
   Use unlike before a noun or pronoun, not a full clause.

Correct: Unlike his brother, Tom is very outgoing.

Final thoughts

Learning how to compare and contrast in English will help you in many areas of language learning. You will be able to write clearer essays, speak more naturally, express opinions more precisely and sound more advanced in exams.

My advice is simple: do not just read these phrases — use them. Write your own sentences, compare two cities, contrast two books, or describe how your life today is different from your life five years ago. That is how vocabulary moves from passive memory into active use.

FAQ

What does comparing and contrasting mean in English?
Comparing means showing how two or more things are similar, while contrasting means showing how they are different.

Why is comparing and contrasting in English important?
It helps you organise ideas clearly in speaking and writing, especially in essays, reviews, articles and exam tasks.

What are useful words for comparing and contrasting in English?
Some useful expressions include similarly, likewise, unlike, whereas, in contrast, on the one hand, on the other hand, and as opposed to.

Is this topic useful for B2 First and C1 Advanced?
Yes. Comparing and contrasting language is very useful for Cambridge exam essays, reviews, speaking tasks and articles.

Related posts:

Phrases to Show Contrast

Linking Words and Phrases for Concession

How to Write an Essay for B2 First

How to Write an Essay for C1 Advanced

Complex Linkers C1 Guide

Collocations for Making Comparisons in English

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