Comparison Language
1.Introducing Differences |
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Generally, there is | a significant difference | between a and b. |
a wide disparity | in + n. | |
2.Comparative Structures |
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In contrast (to A), In comparison (with A) |
B is larger/smaller | by x. by a narrow margin. by a margin of x. by a staggering x. |
A is | [just]+[under/over] [approximately] | x larger/smaller than B. |
A is [under/over] | twice two/three times |
as large/great/high as B. |
A is | considerably/substantially marginally/slightly | greater/higher/smaller than B. |
A produces/consumes/… | more/less + uncountable n. more/fewer + countable n. |
than B. |
the same amount/number/quantity of + n. | as B. | |
3.Superlative Structures |
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A ranks/stands first/second/third/last. | ||
A is the [second/third] largest/smallest/most significant/most productive/ … + n. | ||
A has the [second/third] greatest/widest/ most significant/most productive/ … + n. | ||
A Uses A produces A consumes |
the largest/highest/smallest/lowest | proportion of + n. quantity of + n. amount of + uncountable n. number of + countable n. |
4.Comparison and Contrast Linkers |
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TransitionsOver 90% of exports were fruits; however, industrial exports contributed none. Almost all female students were interested in art activities. In contrast, the figure for male students was a mere 15%. Most of the farmland in Europe was damaged by overgrazing. On the other hand, the most significant cause of damage in Asia was wind erosion.
Subordinating ConjunctionsOver 90% of exports were fruits, whereas / while industrial exports contributed none. Whereas / While over 90% of exports were fruits, industrial exports contributed none. Although almost all girls were interested in art activities, only 15% of boys took part in them. |
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5.Approximation |
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12.1% | just over 12 percent approximately/around/about 12% a little more than 12% |
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11.9% | almost/nearly 12% approximately/around/about 12% a little less than 12% just below 12% |
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146kg | almost/nearly 150 kg approximately/around/about 150 kg less than 150 kg |