Guide 175 / 200 4 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “compare”
Four verbs for how the comparison is being made.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Compare" is neutral but thin. "Contrast" sharpens the differences; "weigh against" implies judgment; "benchmark" is against a named standard; "juxtapose" is formal and often analytic.
ii · The swaps4 ways
- 01Contrast neutral
emphasise differences
Contrast the Q2 and Q3 figures.
- 02Weigh against neutral
compare with judgment
Weigh speed against quality.
- 03Benchmark neutral
compare to a named standard
Benchmark against the sector median.
- 04Juxtapose formal
place side by side for effect
Juxtapose the two designs in the deck.