words to use when writing a compare and contrast essay

Compare and contrast transition words for essays, discussions and more

When you are trying to compare and contrast different things, it helps to have the right words and phrases to explain your ideas clearly. This is where compare and contrast transition words come in handy.

A transition word or phrase guides the listener or reader through what the speaker or writer is saying. We use transition words, also known as ‘ discourse markers ‘, or ‘signal words’, to help us structure what we say and make our meaning clearer.

So, let’s take a look at some common transition words for comparing and contrasting – as well as some which you may not be familiar with. We have included plenty of example sentences so you can understand how to use them correctly.

words to use when writing a compare and contrast essay

Compare and contrast transition words

Comparing and contrasting involves explaining how one thing is the same as or different to something else, and examining alternatives. You may get a compare and contrast essay assignment, for example, or you might need to write a business plan exploring different possible outcomes.

Whatever the situation, these transition words for comparing and contrasting will help you transition from one point to the next in a clear and logical way.

Transition words for comparing similarities

When you want to highlight the similarities between two things, or talk about how they are the same, these are the comparison transition words you should use.

The following signal words can be used to compare two things in the same sentence:

“Cats are as friendly as dogs.” “That cloud looks like a face.” “I look similar to my mother.”

The next group of comparing words are used after one point has been stated or mentioned, and they begin the following sentence that contains the second point:

in the same way

“The sales team need to work hard to meet their targets this month. Similarly , all warehouse staff must make an effort to despatch all orders on time.”

Find more examples of alternative words for ‘similarly’ here.

Transition words for contrast emphasis

When presenting something that contrasts with what was previously written or said, or what would be expected as a result of a previous point, we can use these contradictory transition words.

In a simple sentence when presenting the two pieces of information together, we can use:

“I’m really good at playing the guitar but I can’t play the flute.” “Alan is a great singer whereas Anna is an excellent painter.” “Spain is good for beach holidays, unlike Austria, which is good for skiing.”

To add information that contradicts or contrasts with what has previously been said in a separate sentence, we can use one of the following:

in contrast
on the contrary
On the one hand… On the other hand

Here are some sentences with discourse markers to express contrast:

“Our children’s products have performed very well this year. Conversely , sales of menswear have fallen slightly.” “It’s been sunny today; however , I think it’s going to rain tomorrow.” “I’m not sure if we should continue working with this supplier. On the one hand , they have the best pricing in the market and a good reputation. On the other hand , we have had many problems with their service recently.”

Find some more emphasis transition words here.

Transition words to signal contrast in an outcome

When talking about one thing happening in spite of another thing (in contrast to the expected outcome), we can use transition words and phrases such as:

all the same
in spite of this
nevertheless
nonetheless

“The away team fought really hard to secure a victory. Still , the home team eventually won 2:1.” “I will try to pick up some groceries on the way home. All the same , it would be nice if you had time to do the shopping this afternoon.” “It has been a very tough year for the hospitality sector. In spite of this , our restaurant has managed to turn a good profit.”

In the same situation as above, but with the two points joined in the same sentence, you can use these signal words:

in spite of
even though

“ Even though the kids hadn’t met before, they got on really well at the party.” “We managed to afford a holiday despite our financial problems.” “We had a great time at the beach, in spite of the clouds.”

Find some more transition words for ending and concluding here.

Transition words for contrasting solutions and suggestions

And finally, these signal words can be used when you’re making a suggestion or offering a solution that contrasts with another suggestion or solution:

alternatively
another option is to

“ Instead of cooking dinner tonight, why don’t we get a takeaway?” “We could hire a new staff member for this project. Alternatively we could just use a consultant on a temporary basis.”

And that concludes this list of compare and contrast transition words. If you have any other examples or are unsure how to use these compare and contrast words in a sentence, please leave a comment below.

If you found this article useful, take a look at these others which cover different categories of transition word:

Transition words for addition Transition words for cause and effect Transition words for giving examples Transition words for time order and sequence

Finally, if you have a compare and contrast essay assignment, this resource might help you structure it well and cover the topic in full.

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11 Comments

Is the word “while” one of the compare and contrast signal/transition words?

Yes, that’s another good one. ‘While’ is used in the same way as ‘whereas’ in the context of comparing and contrasting.

What about “other than”? Can it be considered a contrast and comparison word?

Good question! In some cases, yes, ‘other than’ could be used to contrast positive and negative points. For example: “Other than the broken taillight and faulty speedometer, this car is in perfect condition.”

Hi Amanda. Please help me with this.

He changed his mind about coming over even though we have prepared the meal and everything else for him.

I have a feeling the marker even though doesn’t quite work there. I’d like to emphasize the host great disappointment about the guest’s change of plan. Do you have another suggestion?

The sentence you proposed works well with ‘even though’. The only change you should make is to the tense, either:

“He changed his mind about coming over even though we had prepared the meal and everything else for him.” (reporting a past event)

“He has changed his mind about coming over even though we have prepared the meal and everything else for him.” (speaking about it as it happens).

An alternative would be to replace ‘even though’ with ‘despite the fact that’; that might hint at even stronger disappointment with the decision.

Hi Amanda, i want to ask you why ‘than’ is not part of signal words for comparison and contrast?

You’re right, this is an important word for comparing when paired with a comparative adjective.

Thank you Amanda, but i want to make sure gain that “than” is not a part of signal words in comparison and contrast, except “more than” or “less than”. Is that right?

You can use ‘than’ with any comparative adjective. For example, “Your dessert looks tastier than mine.” “This car is slower than when I bought it.” “Joshua is more intelligent than James.” I hope this helps!

Key Strategies for Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay: a Comprehensive Guide

Categories: Reading Study Skills Writing

About this sample

Words: 754 |

Published: Dec 16, 2024

Words: 754 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

The importance of transition words, using synonyms wisely, structuring your ideas, employing analogies, the role of examples, navigating common pitfalls, the conclusion counts too, final thoughts.

Jones A., (2020). Writing Academic Essays: A Guide to Success.
Kirkland B., (2018). Transition Words for Better Writing: How Language Shapes Argumentation.
Parker C., (2019). The Art of Comparison: Techniques for Effective Essays.
Miller D., (2021). Structuring Your Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Organization Strategies.

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Elementary Assessments

101 Great Compare and Contrast Sentence Starters

Compare and contrast sentence starters are exactly what you need in order to write a good comparison essay.

A compare/contrast essay takes two ideas and compares plus contrasts them. The purpose of this type of writing is to explain subtle differences between two concepts.

An important task when writing a compare and contrast essay is to connect the two ideas meaningfully.

Demonstrating the differences between two very similar ideas or showing the similarities between two concepts that are obviously very different keeps readers engaged.

How is all of this done?

One way to facilitate the process is by using compare and contrast sentence starters.

These transition words help writing ideas flow, guiding readers in understanding the message of the paper.

Compare and contrast sentence starters are also beneficial because they…

Connect ideas seamlessly,
Aid in emphasizing important distinctions or similarities, and
Give an essay a more academic and/or polished feel.

How to Use Compare and Contrast Sentence Starters

A comparison and contrast essay normally follows the format of introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Compare and contrast signal words and phrases should ideally be sprinkled throughout the text from beginning to end.

They should flow naturally and be used alongside evidence that supports your ideas. The starters help to connect those ideas.

See an example of a compare and contrast essay . There are more comparison/contrast examples here .

Compare and Contrast Sentence Starters

Following you will find a variety of sentence starters for comparison and contrast writing such as essays.

The starters are categorized by introduction, body, and conclusion for ease of use.

Introduction Sentence Starters

1. A similarity between _____ and ____…

2. _____ and _____ are similar because…

3. _____ and _____ share many differences.

4. Both _____ and _____ have…

5. A difference between _____ and _____ …

6. _____ and _____ are different because…

7. Experts agree that…

Body Sentence Starters

8. Above all…

9. After all…

10. Albeit…

11. Alternatively…

12. Although…

13. Although this may be true…

14. Another difference is…

15. Another reason…

16. Another similarity is…

17. Another way they are alike is…

18. Another way they are different is…

19. As a result…

20. As much as…

21. As well as…

22. At the same time…

23. Besides…

26. Comparatively…

27. Compared to…

28. Complementary to this…

29. Conversely…

30. Correspondingly…

Transition words for contrast and compare with examples

Transition words for contrast and compare.

In the world of writing, creating connections between ideas is key. But sometimes, the most impactful connections are those that highlight differences and similarities. This is where transition words for contrast and comparison come in! These handy phrases act like bridges, guiding your reader through the relationship between your ideas.

List of Transition words for Contrast

On the other hand
In contrast
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
In spite of
On the contrary
In opposition to
Alternatively
In contrast to
Even though

Use these transition words to showcase how your ideas differ:

Example: “Dogs are known for their loyalty, however, cats can be just as affectionate in their own way.”
Example: “Horror movies thrive on making us jump, on the other hand, comedies aim to make us laugh.”
Example: “City life offers a fast-paced environment, in contrast to the tranquility of a rural setting.”
Example: “Some people prefer the structure of a routine, conversely others thrive on spontaneity.”

List of Transition words for Comparison:

In the same way
Correspondingly
In comparison
Comparatively
In like manner
By the same token
On the one hand… on the other hand
Not only… but also
In addition
Furthermore
Additionally

Use these transition words to connect ideas that share similarities:

Example: “Both yoga and meditation promote relaxation, similarly they can also improve focus.”
Example: In the same way that exercise strengthens the body, mental exercises can strengthen the mind.
Example: “Traveling broadens your perspective, likewise learning a new language can open doors to new cultures.”
Example: Just as a car needs fuel to run, the human body needs food for energy.

Transition words for contrast with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for contrast:

However : “The weather forecast predicted rain; however, it turned out to be a sunny day.”
On the other hand : “Some people prefer coffee in the morning; on the other hand, others opt for tea.”
Conversely : “Some students find math challenging; conversely, others excel in it effortlessly.”
In contrast : “The old house had a rustic charm; in contrast, the new building had a modern design.”
Nevertheless : “The project faced many setbacks; nevertheless, it was completed on time.”
Nonetheless : “The experiment didn’t yield the expected results; nonetheless, valuable data was collected.”
Whereas : “Some people enjoy solitude; whereas, others thrive in social settings.”
While : “Some prefer cats as pets, while others prefer dogs.”
But : “The movie received rave reviews, but some viewers found it disappointing.”
Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a hike.”
Despite : “Despite the traffic, we arrived at our destination on time.”
In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, she remained determined to achieve her goals.”
Conversely : “Some people enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life; conversely, others prefer the tranquility of rural areas.”
On the contrary : “Many believed the project would fail; on the contrary, it exceeded expectations.”
In opposition to : “In opposition to popular belief, not all teenagers are tech-savvy.”
Instead : “She didn’t buy a new car; instead, she decided to invest in public transportation.”
Conversely : “Some prefer reading fiction; conversely, others prefer non-fiction.”
Alternatively : “If you don’t enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of alternatives, such as indoor sports or creative hobbies.”
In contrast to : “In contrast to his loud demeanor, he was surprisingly introverted.”
Nonetheless : “The restaurant was fully booked; nonetheless, they managed to find us a table.”
Even though : “Even though it was late, they continued working on the project.”
Still : “The economy has improved, but there are still challenges ahead.”
Yet : “He had studied hard, yet he failed the exam.”

Transition words for compare with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for comparison:

Similarly : “Just as the sun rises in the east, similarly, the moon sets in the west.”
Likewise : “He enjoys hiking; likewise, his brother shares the same passion for outdoor activities.”
In the same way : “In the same way that exercise strengthens the body, reading exercises the mind.”
Just as : “Just as a painter uses brushes to create art, a writer uses words to craft stories.”
Also : “She enjoys swimming; also, she is fond of cycling.”
Likewise : “He prefers tea over coffee; likewise, his sister has the same preference.”
Correspondingly : “A healthy diet leads to a healthy body; correspondingly, regular exercise leads to physical fitness.”
Equally : “Both siblings are equally talented in music.”
Similarly : “Similarly to her sister, she excels in academics.”
In comparison : “In comparison to the old model, the new phone offers better features.”
Comparatively : “The new laptop is comparatively faster than the old one.”
In like manner : “In like manner to the previous example, this theory also relies on empirical evidence.”
By the same token : “By the same token, success requires dedication and hard work.”
On the one hand… on the other hand : “On the one hand, technology has made communication easier; on the other hand, it has led to increased screen time.”
As well as : “He enjoys playing the piano, as well as the guitar.”
Both… and : “Both the mother and the daughter share a passion for gardening.”
Not only… but also : “Not only does she excel in academics, but she also participates actively in extracurricular activities.”
In addition : “In addition to his academic achievements, he is also a talented musician.”
Moreover : “Moreover, the study found a correlation between exercise and mental well-being.”
Furthermore : “Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of environmental conservation.”
Additionally : “Additionally, the new software update includes security enhancements.”
Besides : “Besides studying for exams, she spends her free time volunteering at the local shelter.”
Plus : “The new smartphone comes with an improved camera, plus enhanced battery life.”

Transition words for contrast and compare - wordscoach.com

So, the next time you write, remember the power of transition words for contrast and comparison! They’ll help you create clear, engaging connections between your ideas, leaving your reader with a well-rounded understanding of your points.

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”

Introduction

In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:

Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?

Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.

But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:

Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?

You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.

Discovering similarities and differences

Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:

Venn diagram indicating that both Pepper's and Amante serve pizza with unusual ingredients at moderate prices, despite differences in location, wait times, and delivery options

To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.

Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:

As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?

Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.

Two historical periods or events

When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?

Two ideas or theories

What are they about?
Did they originate at some particular time?
Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?

Two pieces of writing or art

What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
What stands out most about each of them?

Deciding what to focus on

By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:

What’s relevant to the assignment?
What’s relevant to the course?
What’s interesting and informative?
What matters to the argument you are going to make?
What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?

Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.

Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.

Your thesis

The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.

Organizing your paper

There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:

Subject-by-subject

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.

The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.

A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.

Point-by-point

Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.

If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.

There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.

Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.

Cue words and other tips

To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:

Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Compare & Contrast Essays How things are similar or different

Compare and contrast is a common form of academic writing, either as an essay type on its own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs which compare or contrast. This page gives information on what a compare and contrast essay is , how to structure this type of essay, how to use compare and contrast structure words , and how to make sure you use appropriate criteria for comparison/contrast . There is also an example compare and contrast essay on the topic of communication technology, as well as some exercises to help you practice this area.

What are compare & contrast essays?

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To compare is to examine how things are similar, while to contrast is to see how they differ. A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods, two characters in a novel, etc. Sometimes the whole essay will compare and contrast, though sometimes the comparison or contrast may be only part of the essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the similarities or the differences, not both, will be discussed. See the examples below.

Compare and contrast Newton's ideas of gravity with those proposed by Einstein ['compare and contrast' essay]
Examine how the economies of Spain and China are similar ['compare' only essay]
Explain the differences between Achaemenid Empire and Parthian Empire ['contrast' only essay]

There are two main ways to structure a compare and contrast essay, namely using a block or a point-by-point structure. For the block structure, all of the information about one of the objects being compared/contrasted is given first, and all of the information about the other object is listed afterwards. This type of structure is similar to the block structure used for cause and effect and problem-solution essays. For the point-by-point structure, each similarity (or difference) for one object is followed immediately by the similarity (or difference) for the other. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is easier to write, while the latter is generally clearer as it ensures that the similarities/differences are more explicit.

The two types of structure, block and point-by-point , are shown in the diagram below.

Compare and Contrast Structure Words

Compare and contrast structure words are transition signals which show the similarities or differences. Below are some common examples.

both... and...
not only... but also...
neither... nor...
just like (+ noun)
similar to (+ noun)
to be similar (to)
to be the same as
to be alike
to compare (to/with)
Computers can be used to communicate easily, for example via email. Similarly/Likewise , the mobile phone is a convenient tool for communication.
Both computers and mobile phones can be used to communicate easily with other people.
Just like the computer, the mobile phone can be used to communicate easily with other people.
The computer is similar to the mobile phone in the way it can be used for easy communication.
In contrast
In comparison
By comparison
On the other hand
to differ from
to be different (from)
to be dissimilar to
to be unlike
Computers, although increasingly small, are not always easy to carry from one place to another. However , the mobile phone can be carried with ease.
Computers are generally not very portable, whereas the mobile phone is.
Computers differ from mobile phones in their lack of portability.
Computers are unlike mobile phones in their lack of portability.

Criteria for comparison/contrast

When making comparisons or contrasts, it is important to be clear what criteria you are using. Study the following example, which contrasts two people. Here the criteria are unclear.

Aaron is tall and strong. In contrast , Bruce is handsome and very intelligent.

Although this sentence has a contrast transition , the criteria for contrasting are not the same. The criteria used for Aaron are height (tall) and strength (strong). We would expect similar criteria to be used for Bruce (maybe he is short and weak), but instead we have new criteria, namely appearance (handsome) and intelligence (intelligent). This is a common mistake for students when writing this type of paragraph or essay. Compare the following, which has much clearer criteria (contrast structure words shown in bold).

Aaron and Bruce differ in four ways. The first difference is height. Aaron is tall, while Bruce is short. A second difference is strength. Aaron is strong. In contrast , Bruce is weak. A third difference is appearance. Aaron, who is average looking, differs from Bruce, who is handsome. The final difference is intelligence. Aaron is of average intelligence. Bruce, on the other hand , is very intelligent.

Example essay

Below is a compare and contrast essay. This essay uses the point-by-point structure . Click on the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural aspects in this essay, i.e. similarities, differences, and structure words. This will highlight not simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary , as these repeat the comparisons and contrasts contained in the main body.

Title: There have been many advances in technology over the past fifty years. These have revolutionised the way we communicate with people who are far away. Compare and contrast methods of communication used today with those which were used in the past.

Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over long distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. Nowadays we have a vast array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging from email to instant messaging and video calls. While the present and previous means of communication are similar in their general form , they differ in regard to their speed and the range of tools available . One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the form of communication. In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used, in addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. Similarly , people nowadays use both of these forms. Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for example via email and text messaging. In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services. However , there are clearly many differences in the way we communicate over long distances, the most notable of which is speed. This is most evident in relation to written forms of communication. In the past, letters would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast , an email arrives almost instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. In the past, if it was necessary to send a short message, for example at work, a memo could be passed around the office, which would take some time to circulate. This is different from the current situation, in which a text message can be sent immediately. Another significant difference is the range of communication methods. Fifty years ago, the tools available for communicating over long distances were primarily the telephone and the letter. By comparison , there are a vast array of communication methods available today. These include not only the telephone, letter, email and text messages already mentioned, but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone apps such as WeChat, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter. In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty years. While there are some similarities, such as the forms of communication , there are significant differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of communication tools available . There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress in future, and the advanced tools which we use today may one day also become outdated.

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Below is a checklist for compare and contrast essays. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.

There is a downloadable graphic organiser for brainstorming ideas for compare and contrast essays in the writing resources section.

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Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 08 January 2022.

Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).

Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.

Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).

Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.

Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.

As a student, you would be writing multiple essays, research papers, thesis, statements of purpose, speeches, etc. as a part of your coursework. A lot of time and effort goes into understanding the assignments and researching the material. After this comes the hard part. This requires putting the gathered information into words and forming a piece that is informative and conveys the intended message to the readers. Making use of transition words for compare and contrast essay will make your essay meaningful.

When you write a compare and contrast essay, you are looking at the similarities and differences of two or more items, ideas, methods, theories, characters, etc. This means that when writing a compare and contrast essay, you are examining the subjects from multiple viewpoints. This kind of essay requires you to think critically. Transition words in essays help you to improve GPA in college , communicating the similarities and highlighting the differences.

What are transition words for compare and contrast essays?

You might have a lot to write in your essay but the sentences might seem unfinished. If you submit your essay like this, it will give your professors the impression that you have not worked hard. To fix this, you should use transition words for compare and contrast essays. This is one trick that essay writing services use properly.

You can think of transition words for essay writing as bridges between paragraphs for a smooth transition. Using the correct transition words in your essay will make it look like it is written by an expert.

Need for using transition words for compare and contrast essays

Using transition words for essays makes your writing smooth and easy to follow. Mastering the art of using transitional words in your writings will make them more impressive. Your ideas and thoughts could be related to the essay topic but still, be unclear to the reader. For the purpose of clarity, the various sentences and paragraphs should have a logical relationship between them.

You do not need to add transition words in every sentence. However, you should use them to illustrate relationships between words and phrases. Transition words form a critical part of the sentence. Sometimes a single transition word is not enough to make your sentences look smooth. Here you can use transition phrases to forge connections and show comparisons.

Compare And Contrast Transition Words: Defined And Explained

Transition words are crucial for connecting ideas in writing, especially when comparing and contrasting. These words guide readers through arguments, showing how ideas relate, whether by highlighting similarities or differences.

Comparison Words

Compare and contrast transition words are used to emphasize similarities between two or more ideas or items. Examples of these include “in the same way,” “likewise,” “similarly,” and “by the same token.” For instance, if you’re comparing the speeds of two lion subspecies, you might say, “Subspecies A can reach speeds up to 40 mph. Similarly, subspecies B can achieve a maximum of 35 mph.” Here, “similarly” highlights the comparable speeds of the two subspecies.

Additionally, phrases like “in addition” and “furthermore” can be used as transition words for comparing multiple traits or benefits in a discussion. These transitions help avoid overly lengthy sentences while still clearly conveying additional points. For example, “Keeping your tires properly inflated can prevent blowouts on the road. In addition, it reduces the frequency of tire replacements.” Another example might be, “A morning cup of coffee gives you the energy to start your day. Furthermore, it helps prevent midday fatigue.” These transitions effectively add layers of information while maintaining clarity and flow.

Contrast Words

Contrast transition words are equally important, as they highlight differences between ideas or perspectives. Without these words, it would be difficult to articulate opposing viewpoints or contrasting concepts. Examples of compare and contrast transition words include “in contrast,” “conversely,” “on the other hand,” and “however.” These words signal to the reader that the upcoming information differs from what was previously stated.

For instance, if you’re discussing different perspectives on a topic, you might use a phrase like “On the one hand” to introduce one viewpoint, followed by “On the other hand” to present the contrasting opinion. Another example could be, “She enjoys working in the morning; however, he prefers to exercise in the evening.” The word “however” clearly indicates the contrast between their preferences.

In academic writing, especially in compare-and-contrast essays, using transition words for comparing and contrasting effectively helps structure the argument, making it easier for readers to follow and understand the connections between ideas. They enhance the essay’s coherence and ensure that the comparison or contrast is clearly articulated.

Different uses of transition words for compare and contrast essays

Transition words for essays can be categorized into different categories depending upon their usage.

Transition words can be used for:

Introducing a new idea in a paragraph
Demonstrating the cause and effect relationship i.e. how once action or circumstance can lead to a specific outcome
Concluding the paragraph or summarizing the main points of the essay

You can also use transition words, including those generated by an essay generator to describe the time or location of a specific event. Transition words can be used for opposing ideas and arguments as well.

Examples of transition words for compare and contrast essays

There are a large number of words that are used as transition words for compare and contrast essays. Some of the top examples based on different contexts include:

Add or introduce a new point to the existing topic

Use words such as further, furthermore, moreover, in addition to, likewise, etc.

Oppose an idea or thought

Words such as unlike, conversely, on the contrary, despite, notwithstanding, as much as, but, above all can be used when you want to.

Demonstrate the cause and effect

Use transition words such as then, as a result, hence, because, henceforth, consequently, therefore, in effect.

Summary or conclusion

Use words like overall, in conclusion, in essence, to summarize, to sum up, to conclude.

Describe time

Use words including presently, occasionally, in the meantime, after, at the moment, all of a sudden, once.

Location and spatial relationship

Focus on words like beside, over, where, under, behind, next to, below, above, beyond, opposite, in front of.

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How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays
Compare and Contrast Essay: Tips & Examples of Comparing and Contrasting

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32 Compare and contrast transition words (with examples)
When you are trying to compare and contrast different things, it helps to have the right words and phrases to explain your ideas clearly. This is where compare and contrast transition words come in handy.. A transition word or phrase guides the listener or reader through what the speaker or writer is saying. We use transition words, also known as 'discourse markers', or 'signal words ...
Compare and Contrast Essays: The Ultimate Guide
Tips for writing compare-and-contrast essays Beyond knowing the full process for crafting a compare-and-contrast essay, it helps to learn a few tips to ensure it shines. Choose topics that are related In other words, choose topics that have plenty in common, otherwise, your essay will be all contrasting and no comparing.
Transition Words For A Compare And Contrast Essay
Many students today have to deal with writing complex and time-consuming essays. These include topics where two different viewpoints have to be introduced and debated. For more professional essay help like this and plenty of other writing resources related to using transition words for compare and contrast essays.
Key Strategies for Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay: a
Transition words are crucial in a compare and contrast essay because they guide your reader through your argument. They help clarify whether you are highlighting similarities or differences, which can significantly affect how your message is received. ... One common pitfall in writing compare-and-contrast essays is getting bogged down in ...
101 Great Compare and Contrast Sentence Starters
How to Use Compare and Contrast Sentence Starters. A comparison and contrast essay normally follows the format of introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Compare and contrast signal words and phrases should ideally be sprinkled throughout the text from beginning to end. They should flow naturally and be used alongside evidence that ...
Transition words for contrast and compare with examples
Transition words for compare with examples. Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for comparison: Similarly: "Just as the sun rises in the east, similarly, the moon sets in the west."; Likewise: "He enjoys hiking; likewise, his brother shares the same passion for outdoor activities."; In the same way: "In the same way that exercise strengthens the body ...
Comparing and Contrasting
Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments. Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples: Compare and contrast Frye's and Bartky's accounts of oppression.
Compare & Contrast Essays
To compare is to examine how things are similar, while to contrast is to see how they differ. A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods, two ...
PDF Compare & Contrast Transitions
Compare & Contrast Transitions Transitional words and phrases keep your ideas connected together, make your writing coherent, and help your reader understand the logic of your paper. Below is a list of some transitional words you can use in a compare and contrast essay. Make sure you use them in the right place to convey the right meaning.
Transition Words For Compare And Contrast Essay
TutorBin has numerous global experts with vast experience writing compare and contrast essays. These experts can churn out perfect compare and contrast essays with the correct usage of transition words. By using the transitional words for compare and contrast essays, the ideas remain connected together and help you score a better grade.

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Compare and contrast transition words

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Key Strategies for Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay: a Comprehensive Guide

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Comparing and Contrasting

Introduction

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Discovering similarities and differences

Two historical periods or events

Two ideas or theories

Two pieces of writing or art

Deciding what to focus on

Your thesis

Organizing your paper

Subject-by-subject

Point-by-point

Cue words and other tips

Compare & Contrast Essays How things are similar or different

What are compare & contrast essays?

Compare and Contrast Structure Words

Criteria for comparison/contrast

Example essay

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What are transition words for compare and contrast essays?

Need for using transition words for compare and contrast essays

Compare And Contrast Transition Words: Defined And Explained

Comparison Words

Contrast Words

Different uses of transition words for compare and contrast essays

Examples of transition words for compare and contrast essays

Add or introduce a new point to the existing topic

Oppose an idea or thought

Demonstrate the cause and effect

Summary or conclusion

Describe time

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