1. Introduction

Unit 7b deals with comparing and contrasting things or phenomena. Comparing and contrasting is a very important skill, as to a certain extent, our life is based on choice. Very often, we need to weigh alternatives, evaluate them and choose or recommend the most appropriate one for a particular purpose. We usually do this by measuring the alternatives or items against some criteria such as quantity, and cost. And this is where comparison and contrast phrases are used. In this unit, you will first revise some basic ways used to compare and contrast. Then, more complex phrases for comparison and contrast will be introduced and used in technical contexts.

 

Contents:

Unit 7b revises some basic phrases to make a comparison or contrast. In addition, it introduces some other ways to compare and contrast:

  • Comparative and superlative adjectives: (much) cheaper than..., the greatest, more reliable, the most expensive, best of all.

  • Connectives: although, whereas, while, however.

  • Other expressions: differ, difference, similar to, different (from/than/to), in comparison with/to, like/unlike, instead of, on (the) one hand, on the other hand, compared with.