Prepositions of Comparison and Contrast in English: Grammar Rules, Usage & Examples

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English – Intermediate, English Prepositions

Prepositions of Comparison and Contrast in English

Prepositions of comparison and contrast are used to highlight similarities and differences between two or more things. These prepositions help us structure sentences in a way that clearly conveys relationships between ideas. Understanding how to use them correctly can improve both spoken and written English.

Usage of Prepositions of Comparison and Contrast

Prepositions of comparison and contrast are used in various contexts. Let’s explore their usage in different situations:

1. Indicating Similarity (Comparison)

These prepositions show that two things are alike or have common characteristics.

Like: Used to show similarity between two subjects.
- Example: He runs like a professional athlete.
As: Used to indicate the role or function of a person or thing.
- Example: She works as a doctor.
Similar to: Used to describe things that share characteristics.
- Example: His writing style is similar to Hemingway’s.

2. Indicating Difference (Contrast)

These prepositions highlight how two things are different.

Unlike: Shows that two things are not the same.
- Example: Unlike his brother, he prefers studying.
In contrast to: Used to emphasize the differences between two subjects.
- Example: In contrast to last year, this winter is much colder.
Different from: Points out that two things are not alike.
- Example: Her attitude is different from yours.

3. Indicating Exceptions

Some prepositions show exceptions within comparisons or contrasts.

Except for: Indicates something that is not included.
- Example: The trip was great except for the bad weather.
Apart from: Similar to “except for” but can also mean “in addition to.”
- Example: Apart from the ending, the movie was enjoyable.

4. Degrees of Comparison

These prepositions highlight differences in degree, intensity, or extent.

More than: Shows a higher degree of something.
- Example: She is more talented than her peers.
Less than: Shows a lower degree.
- Example: This book is less interesting than I expected.
Compared to/with: Used to evaluate similarities and differences.
- Example: Compared to last year, the profits have doubled.

List of Prepositions of Comparison and Contrast

Preposition	Example Sentence 1	Example Sentence 2
Like	She sings like an angel.	He fights like a warrior.
As	He acted as a mentor.	They use honey as a sweetener.
Similar to	This fabric is similar to silk.	Your handwriting is similar to mine.
Unlike	Unlike his father, he is very punctual.	Unlike dogs, cats are more independent.
In contrast to	In contrast to summer, winter is harsh here.	In contrast to his friends, he is introverted.
Different from	Her opinions are different from mine.	This version is different from the original.
Except for	The meal was perfect except for the dessert.	He attends all meetings except for the late ones.
Apart from	Apart from English, he speaks French.	Apart from the rain, the day was nice.
More than	She is more successful than her colleagues.	This city is more beautiful than I imagined.
Less than	The result was less than satisfactory.	He is less confident than before.

More Example Sentences

She looks like her mother.
This place feels like home.
She worked as a translator for years.
Their house is similar to ours in size.
Unlike his classmates, he studies during weekends.
In contrast to the forecast, it didn’t rain today.
My opinion is different from yours.
Except for his laziness, he is a great worker.
Apart from jogging, she also does yoga.
This book is more interesting than the last one.

Fill in the Blanks

He behaves ______ a professional actor.
This song sounds ______ the one I heard yesterday.
She is quite ______ her sister in personality.
______ the other students, he submitted his work early.
______ last year, this winter is not so cold.
My work schedule is ______ yours.
The journey was great ______ the bad weather.
This car is much ______ my old one.
______ English, he speaks three other languages.
Her style is ______ the latest fashion trends.

Answers

like
like
different from
Unlike
Compared to
Similar to
Except for
More than
Apart from
Similar to

Things to Keep in Mind

Prepositions of comparison show similarities, while prepositions of contrast highlight differences.
Some prepositions, like “except for” and “apart from,” can indicate exceptions.
Like vs. As: Use like to show similarity and as to describe a role.
Compared to vs. Compared with: Both indicate comparison, but compared with is more common in formal writing.
Always match the preposition with the correct structure in a sentence.

Conclusion

Understanding and using prepositions of comparison and contrast correctly can significantly enhance your English communication. These prepositions allow for clear and precise expressions of similarities and differences. By practicing them in daily conversations and writing, you can improve your fluency and confidence in English. Keep practicing and stay mindful of the correct contexts in which each preposition is used!

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