To or With?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Alexander Baron - 25 Jan 2004 22:04 GMT

Can anyone tell me which of the following is correct? My head says the
second but the first sounds better.

People who compare the "oppression" of homosexuals to the persecution of
the Jews by Nazi Germany are insulting the dead.

People who compare the "oppression" of homosexuals with the persecution
of the Jews by Nazi Germany are insulting the dead.

Signature

http://www.freehomepages.com/itma99/

Reply to this Message

Martin Ambuhl - 27 Jan 2004 01:47 GMT

> Can anyone tell me which of the following is correct? My head says the
> second but the first sounds better.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> People who compare the "oppression" of homosexuals with the persecution
> of the Jews by Nazi Germany are insulting the dead.

They both work, but the first is probably better. Below is the entry from
COD10, the OED2 entry being too lengthy to quote here. Note the differing
treatment of "compare to" and "compare with." Also note that they each have
"usu." attached, opening the door to whatever you decide to do.

compare
· v.
1 (often compare something to/with) estimate, measure, or note the
similarity or dissimilarity between.
Ø (compare something to) point out or describe the resemblances of
something with; liken to.
Ø (usu. compare with) be similar to or have a specified relationship with
another thing or person: salaries compare favourably with those of other
professions.
2 Grammar form the comparative and superlative degrees of (an adjective or
an adverb).
– PHRASES beyond (or without) compare surpassing all others of the same
kind. compare notes exchange ideas or information about a particular subject.
– ORIGIN ME: from OFr. comparer, from L. comparare, from compar ‘like, equal’.

Signature

Martin Ambuhl

Reply to this Message

Discussion Groups / English Usage / January 2004

To or With?