Today we will learn about comparing and contrasting in English.

In English, we have a number of key phrases that signal that we are interested in describing one thing in relation to another. 

To learn more about this topic, visit our blog post  "How to Make Comparisons in English" where we explain how to use ‘more than’ ‘as… as’ and irregular comparisons. 

✅ Common phrases for talking about things that are alike include similarly, likewise, and in the same way:

Ex. New York is a cultural center of the United States. Similarly, London serves as a cultural center for England. 

Ex. I traveled around the world after graduating from college. Likewise, my daughter has just graduated and plans to travel to Asia.

Ex. In the same way that children don’t like to be left alone, my puppy goes crazy when we leave the house.

✅ While common phrases for talking about things that are different include in comparison, in contrast, compared to, and as opposed to:

Ex. In comparison with your mother’s homemade pasta, the restaurant’s dish is nothing!

Ex. In contrast to the tabloid’s headlines, this newspaper covers the important issues in depth.

Ex. Compared to last year, the company is doing much better financially this year.

Ex. Amy likes to talk constantly, as opposed to her older sister who is much more quiet.

Let's practice!

Write in the comments section sentences using comparative structures.

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