How to Compare Things in English
Hey there! 👋🏼 This blog post complements our YouTube video, How to Compare things like a Native English Speaker. Watch the video or simply keep reading to learn more comparative sentences and how to use them in real life conversations.
What does it mean to compare and contrast?
In English we use compare and contrast vocabulary to discuss the similarities and differences between two things. This vocabulary is useful to help clarify differences and preferences. They can be used in many situations, including everyday conversations, such as, “This cup of coffee is more expensive than the one I usually buy near my house.” They are also frequently used in academic writing and professional communication.
A very common grammatical structure to show differences is the following:
“Statement A, but, contrasting statement B”
Example: “I like the movie Avatar, but I think The Avengers is better.”
In this post we will introduce other words that you can use besides “but” and explore how to use comparative sentences to make an argument for or against something. Follow the dialogue between Kelly and Luna as they contrast two of their favorite Japanese dramas. Read the explanations that follow to better understand how to use these comparative sentences and key vocabulary on your own.
In Luna’s response to Kelly’s question, the word “although” is an alternative to “but.” If you change the word “although” to the word “but” the sentence will still have the same meaning.
Notice how Kelly uses the phrase "but you have to admit" to strengthen her argument. This is more impactful than a simple "but" because it challenges Luna to acknowledge the point, making it a powerful tool in arguments.
Kelly does more than simply contrast the two shows; she actively counters Luna's point, also known as a counterargument. She begins with “I have to disagree with you on this one,” to introduce her counterargument. Then she uses “whereas” to show a strong difference between 'My Love Mixup' and 'Mr. Unlucky.' Kelly points out why she believes ‘My Love Mixup’ is more unpredictable than ‘Mr. Unlucky.’ This way of comparing the two shows challenges Luna's opinion and makes Kelly's argument stronger by highlighting the differences clearly.
Observe how Luna and Kelly use “however” and “on the other hand” to specify their preferences clearly. Their discussion is nuanced, meaning it is detailed and considers multiple perspectives.
Full Dialogue Transcript
Kelly: Did you watch ‘My Love Mixup’?
Luna: Yes, it was so good, although, I thought ‘Mr. Unlucky Has No Choice but to Kiss’ was better!
Kelly: Really? No way! ‘Mr. Unlucky’ has its moments, but, ‘My Love Mixup’ is more heartwarming.
Luna: Perhaps, yet I think ‘Mr. Unlucky’ is funnier. The jokes are sharper, and the situations are more ridiculous.
Kelly: Okay, you got me there, but you have to admit, the characters in ‘My Love Mixup’ are more relatable. They're like real people, which makes the emotional moments feel more intense.
Luna: That's true, even so, in terms of plot, ‘Mr. Unlucky’ is more engaging. It keeps you guessing what will happen next.
Kelly: I have to disagree with you on this one, ‘My Love Mixup’ is more unpredictable than ‘Mr. Unlucky’ because you aren’t sure how the story will turn out in the end, whereas, ‘Mr. Unlucky’ was a straightforward romance between two main characters.
Luna: Maybe you’re right, I still found ‘Mr. Unlucky’ more satisfying to watch, though. For me, the complexity of ‘Mr. Unlucky’ was thrilling. It’s less about the destination and more about the journey.
Kelly: I can appreciate that perspective. Can we agree, nevertheless, that both shows have great soundtracks? However, the music in ‘Mr. Unlucky’ is more dynamic.
Luna: Absolutely! On the other hand, I find the soundtrack of ‘My Love Mixup’ more soothing and fitting to the mood of the show. It’s subtle but impactful.
Kelly: Agreed. Both shows excel in different ways. It’s just about what resonates more with you as a viewer, you know?
Luna: Exactly! My favorite part about watching these shows is getting to discuss them with a friend like you, Kelly!
Definitions and More Details
| Comparative Words/Phrases | Category | Simplified Definition | Explanation of Use in Dialogue |
|---|---|---|---|
| but | Differences | Introduces a statement that shows contrast with a previous idea. | Used by Kelly to contrast her opinion about "My Love Mixup" being more heartwarming. |
| although | Differences | Introduces a point that is somewhat contrary to what was said before, but less directly. | Luna uses it to soften her preference for "Mr. Unlucky" over "My Love Mixup." |
| whereas | Differences | Shows a clear difference between two facts or ideas. | Kelly uses it to emphasize how "My Love Mixup" differs from "Mr. Unlucky" in terms of predictability. |
| however | Differences | Starts a statement that contrasts with the previous one. | Used by Kelly and Luna to introduce differing opinions about the soundtracks of the shows. |
| on the other hand | Differences | Used to present a different point of view or contrast. | Luna uses it to contrast her view on the soundtrack of "My Love Mixup" compared to Kelly's view on "Mr. Unlucky." |
| nevertheless | Differences | Shows that the next point is true despite what was just said. | Kelly uses it to agree on the quality of both shows' soundtracks despite previous disagreements. |
| even so | Differences | Used to add a contrasting point that agrees in part with what was said. | Luna uses it to reinforce her point about "Mr. Unlucky" being more engaging, despite agreeing with Kelly's earlier point. |
| but you have to admit | Strengthen Argument | Used to strongly point out a truth that needs acknowledging in an argument. | Kelly uses it to make Luna acknowledge that "My Love Mixup" has more relatable characters. |
| can we agree | Similarities | Asks for agreement on a point where there might be mutual understanding. | Kelly uses it to find common ground with Luna regarding the shows' soundtracks. |
That is all for this post.
I hope you found this guide on using compare and contrast vocabulary useful. Try using some of this vocabulary next time you want to express your thoughts and preferences clearly and also improve your persuasive skills in both casual and formal interactions.
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