Meaning & use
comparing vs contrasting
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
the activity of showing how two things are similar and how they are different, especially in school writing.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: 'Comparing vs contrasting is a common essay task.'
Patterns
- comparing vs contrasting something and something
- a comparing vs contrasting exercise
The teacher asked for a comparing vs contrasting paragraph about the two poems.
In a comparing vs contrasting essay, you usually discuss similarities first, then differences.
Our textbook has a chapter on comparing vs contrasting in academic writing.
Common combinations
- comparing vs contrasting essay
- I got a good grade on my comparing vs contrasting essay.
- comparing vs contrasting exercise
- The workbook includes a comparing vs contrasting exercise for each unit.
- comparing vs contrasting paragraph
- Write a comparing vs contrasting paragraph about city life and country life.
Synonyms and how they differ
- compare and contrast
- This is the standard verb phrase; 'comparing vs contrasting' is a noun phrase used mainly in headings and titles.
Commonly confused: comparing vs contrasting or compare?
comparing vs contrasting vs compare
To compare means to look at similarities (and sometimes differences); contrasting focuses only on differences.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase 'comparing vs contrasting' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is a noun phrase, so it fits after 'a' as in option 1. Options 0, 2, and 3 use it as a verb, which is not standard; use 'compare and contrast' for the verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “comparing vs contrasting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.