Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

Comparisons
Phil Druker/UI/Department of English

 Write comparisons carefully:

1. Complete the comparison:

Wrong:

We have a greater chance of contracting a asbestos related disease. (greater than what?)
The third generation computer is faster.  (faster than what?)

Right:

The third generation computer is faster than the second generation computer.

2. Compare equivalents:

Wrong:

Imitation alligator hide is almost as tough as a real alligator.

Right:

Imitation alligator hide is almost as tough as real alligator hide.

Wrong: The disabled population can be just as productive as any worker.

Wrong:

Downsizing the prototype was accomplished through the use of scaling equations that kept the stress level at the same level as the full size machine.

Better:

… that kept the stress level in the prototype proportionate to the stress level in the full size machine.

… that kept the stress level in the prototype at the same level found in the full size machine.

3. Use “ … different from”  (avoid "different than")

Wrong:

They are anatomically different than the ground squirrel. ç WRONG

Right:

They are anatomically different FROM the ground squirrel. ç RIGHT

Use “than”  with comparative words:

It’s better than …. We have more than ….

Ok, but avoid using BE:

His reading level was at a level different from the reading level of other students in the class.

Better:

His reading level differed from the reading level of other students in the class.