It's a phrase we encounter often, tucked into sentences that aim to highlight differences or similarities: 'by comparison with.' But what does it really mean, and how do we use it effectively? Think of it as a friendly nudge, guiding you to look at one thing and then, with a clear point of reference, consider another.
At its heart, 'by comparison with' is a straightforward way to introduce a contrast or a parallel. It’s like saying, 'Okay, let's look at this, and now, let's see how it stacks up against that.' The reference material shows us this in action. For instance, when discussing air quality, a measurement procedure's suitability is evaluated 'by comparison with a required measurement uncertainty.' This isn't just a casual observation; it's a structured way to assess if something meets a standard by placing it right next to that standard.
We see this in everyday language too. Imagine a friend describing their new, quiet apartment. They might say, 'It's so peaceful here, by comparison with my old place downtown.' They're not just stating a fact; they're painting a picture by drawing a direct line between the current calm and the past noise. The phrase helps us grasp the magnitude of the change or the difference.
Interestingly, the nuances of 'compare' and its prepositions can sometimes feel a bit like navigating a friendly debate. While 'by comparison with' is a common and clear way to draw distinctions, you might also see 'in comparison with' used similarly. Both serve the purpose of setting up a comparative analysis. The key is that 'with' typically introduces the item being used as the benchmark for the comparison.
Let's look at another example from the provided texts: 'By comparison with her unruly, over the past few years, Jack Bauer other failed to make it real, to become well-known local plunks.' Here, the phrase sets up a contrast between a previous state (unruly) and the outcome over time, highlighting what did happen in contrast to what might have been expected or what else could have occurred. It’s about understanding a situation by looking at what it's not like, or what it is like in relation to something else.
So, the next time you see or use 'by comparison with,' remember it's not just a grammatical connector. It's a tool for clarity, a way to invite deeper understanding by placing things side-by-side, allowing us to see the subtle shades and significant differences that make our world so rich and varied. It’s about making connections, understanding context, and ultimately, seeing things a little more clearly.
