Comparing and contrasting ideas
Compare and contrast ideas, options and viewpoints in writing: similarly, in contrast, whereas, both… and, compared with, the former/the latter.
In this lesson you will
- Use comparison and contrast language
- Organise comparison essays (point-by-point or block)
- Use the former / the latter
Learn
Similarity: Similarly, Likewise, In the same way, Both X and Y…, X, like Y, …, X is similar to Y in that…
Difference: In contrast, By contrast, On the other hand, whereas, while, unlike X, compared with / in comparison with, X differs from Y in that…
Structure: point-by-point (cost: A vs B; convenience: A vs B) or block (all about A, then all about B). Point-by-point usually makes comparison clearer.
the former / the latter refer back to the first and second of two things: Trains and planes are both popular; the former are greener, while the latter are faster.
Examples
- Unlike cities, villages tend to have strong communities.
- Online courses are cheaper, whereas classroom courses offer more interaction.
- Both options have clear benefits.
- Tea and coffee both contain caffeine; however, the latter usually contains more.
Vocabulary
likewise
in the same way
whereas
used to compare two contrasting facts
the former
the first of two things mentioned
the latter
the second of two things mentioned
differ
be different
Practice
Renting is flexible, ___ buying offers security.
Speaking
Compare two jobs, cities or phones for 90 seconds, using similarly, in contrast, whereas and the former/the latter.
Writing
Compare studying in your own country with studying abroad (220–250 words), using point-by-point structure and at least six comparison devices.
Lesson quiz
“Likewise” shows…
Review
Key points
- Similarity: similarly, likewise, both.
- Difference: in contrast, whereas, unlike.
- Point-by-point vs block.
- the former / the latter.
What you learned
- ✓ I can compare and contrast.
- ✓ I organise comparisons clearly.
- ✓ I use the former/the latter.
Grammar reference: Comparatives and superlatives, Conjunctions and linking words