Let's compare ...
Rule: A traditional rule says that compare to should be used when the meaning is "to liken," when you are noting the similarities between two things: Compare thee to a summer's day.
But when the meaning is to consider how two things are similar or different, compare with should be used: The accountant compared last year's sales with this year's.
So:
• compare to = to liken, to note similarities.
→ The scientist compared computers to the human brain.
• compare with = to consider what is similar and different.
→ We compared my plan with her plan to see which was best.
But: Many native speakers don't know or follow this rule.
Advice: This rule is worth remembering and following, especially in writing. It is widely used in news and publishing.
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