Comparison Between or Comparison Of – Which Is Correct?

Imagine you’re comparing two items, and want to share your impressions with someone. Do you say, “Comparison Between” or “Comparison Of”?

Let’s look into the two forms, to find out which is the correct one. And if both are correct, find out when and how we should use them.

Comparison Between or Comparison Of – Which Is Correct?

As a matter of fact, “Comparison Between” and “Comparison Of” are synonyms. Both expressions mean the same, indicating that one subject is trying to find similarities and differences between two or more items. Because of that, the phrases can also interchange, without harming the content of your speech.

Let’s start by going over some examples:

• Making a comparison of the two items was important in determining their value.
• Making a comparison between the two items was important in determining their value.

Take a look at the sentences above. Both are identical, except for the fact that one contains the form “Comparison Of” and the other, “Comparison Between”.

The replacement of one expression for the other didn’t affect the message the sentence conveys. Regardless of choosing “Comparison Between” and “Comparison Of”, we know what is the message the sentence is trying to convey.

That happens because the expressions “Comparison Between” and “Comparison Of” have the same meaning and are interchangeable.

Comparison Between

“Comparison” is the act of comparing two or more people or things. You can make a “Comparison Between” items or people, to assess their similarities and differences, and evaluate them.

Take a look at some examples below of sentences that contain the expression “Comparison Between”:

1. She used the example to make a comparison between modern and past times.
2. The comparison between the two brothers was unfair, and shouldn’t have happened.
3. Customers were encouraged to make comparisons between the products and provide feedback.
4. I have never sought a comparison between myself and other people.
5. John was hired to make a comparison between two cars.

The preposition “Between” indicates that two items are being compared. “Comparison Between” cannot be used to describe the act of comparing many items, at the same time. Keep that in mind, when describing your comparisons.

Comparison Of

“Comparison Of” is an alternate form for “Comparison Between”. It means the same and conveys the same message. The only difference is that “Between” should ideally be used to address two items. For a larger number, “Comparison Of” would be more appropriate.

Let’s see some examples of “Comparison Of”, in use:

1. The comparison of the two players showed how one was better than the other.
2. It was due to the comparison of the two games that we found out more people played the first.
3. The scientist’s claims were backed up by the comparison of the statistics.
4. As a parent, I know better than to make a comparison of my children.
5. The comparison of current living species with their ancestors can be difficult as they are extinct.

“Comparison Of” doesn’t have the same number limitation as “Comparison Between”. Therefore, this is the form you should choose when comparing more than two items or people.

Whenever you’re comparing two items, you can choose between the two forms, because they’re synonyms.

Which Is Used the Most?

Which one of those forms is used more often, “Comparison Between” or “Comparison Of”? Let’s take a look at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below.

“Comparison Of” appears much more frequently used than “Comparison Between”. We believe this is the case for two reasons. First, “Comparison Between” indicates that two items (or people) are being compared. “Comparison Of” doesn’t have the same limitation.

But also, “Comparison Of” is just simpler, and people seem to tend to use more expressions and phrases that are less complicated. It’s possible that for some people, “Comparison Between” would sound more polished or complicated, and try to avoid is.

Final Thoughts

Both “Comparison Between” and “Comparison Of” do the same job, of describing the act of comparing two or more items or people. They’re synonyms and can easily interchange. Keep in mind, though, that “Comparison Between” indicates two items, while “Comparison Of” can be used for a larger number of things.