Can you talk about how things are different or better in English?
Maybe you want to compare two things you want to buy. The options are endless!
In this free lesson, you’ll learn typical English phrases that will help you:
- Ask for and give opinions when comparing things
- Use comparison words and expressions
- Talk about preferences and recommend options
Let’s start with a real conversation between two friends comparing bikes.
Contents
Comparing things: example dialogue
This short conversation shows two friends comparing two bikes using natural English.
Listen
Listen to the conversation. Try to hear each comparison and how the speakers explain their views.
Dialogue transcript
Read the full conversation below. These are real-life English phrases you can use to compare things.
Jim: Hey Ben, I’m thinking of getting a new bike. The Zipper looks really nice. Have you heard of it?
Ben: The Zipper? Yeah. But I’d probably steer clear of that bike if I were you. Not worth the money.
Jim: Really? You don’t like it?
Ben: Nah. Load of rubbish. Have you seen the Flyby? It’s a bit pricier, but it’s ten times nicer. A better deal by far. Here. Look! What do you think?
Jim: Hmm. It doesn’t look quite as sleek though, does it?
Ben: Well looks aren’t everything, though are they? I think that bike’s more your kind of thing. That Zipper’s more of a mountain bike, as far as I understand.
Jim: Yeah, well, that’s why I went for it, actually. It looked nice and strong, you know? That’s kind of what I was after.
Ben: Well, yeah, it might be a bit stronger, but the Flyby ’d be way more practical.
Jim: How so?
Ben: Well, for a start, it’s a lot lighter compared to the Zipper. And that’ll be handy if you need to carry it around and stuff, won’t it?
Jim: Well that makes sense, I suppose. Well, what do you reckon, then?
Ben: Dunno, mate. It’s up to you at the end of the day. If I were you, though, I’d go for the Flyby any day. I mean, the Zipper just doesn’t hold a candle to it. To be honest, I wouldn’t touch that bike with a bargepole.
Jim: Ok. So you think the Flyby’s worth the extra spend then, do you?
Ben: Trust me, you’ll be better off with it. It’s the bee’s knees.
Phrase guide: comparing things
Here’s a breakdown of the phrases from the dialogue.
Saying one thing is better than another
These phrases all mean “X is better than Y.”
- It’s ten times nicer / better
- A better deal by far. (by far = definitely)
- It’d be way more ……………….
- It’s a lot …………er compared to the …
- … just doesn’t hold a candle to it. ( = nothing could be better)
- You’ll be better off with it. ( = this would be a better choice)
- It’s the bee’s knees. ( = It’s the best option)
You can also say:
- X is way better than Y.
- X is streets ahead of Y.
- X is just as good as Y.
Talking about personal preferences
These phrases help you recommend or suggest what suits someone best.
- That bike’s more your kind of thing.
You can also say:
- It’s more your style.
- That one’s more “you.”
- It would be right up your street. ( = It would be perfect for you)
- It suits you / It would suit you ( = it would be the best choice for your needs)
Giving negative opinions
Use these to say you don’t recommend something.
- It’s not worth the money.
- It’s a load of rubbish.
- I’d probably steer clear of that … ( = you should avoid it)
- I wouldn’t touch that … with a bargepole.
You can also say:
- I wouldn’t go anywhere near it.
- I don’t think it’s a good choice.
Example questions
- What does “ten times nicer” mean?
- What’s a polite way to say “I don’t recommend it”?
- What’s a casual way to say “This one is better for you”?
More useful phrases to compare things
Use these extra phrases to compare things in English.
Extra expressions
| Phrase | Plain English |
|---|---|
| Compared to X, Y is better. | X is better than Y. |
| X is a fraction of the price. | X is much cheaper. |
| Y is twice the price of X. | Y costs a lot more than X. |
| They’re more or less the same. | They are nearly the same. |
| Y’s nothing compared to X. | Y is not as good as X. |
| X is just as good as Y. | X and Y are the same. |
| There’s not much between them. | They are almost the same. |
Pattern focus: using comparatives and modifiers
When we compare things in English, we often use words that show how big the difference is.
Look at these examples:
- Way more practical = much more practical
- Ten times nicer = a lot nicer
- A lot lighter = much lighter
These modifiers (like “way”, “a lot”, “ten times”) help show the size of the difference between two things.
Try using these patterns when you make comparisons:
- X is a lot / way / far / much + adjective (e.g. nicer, cheaper)
- X is [number] times + comparative adjective (e.g. two times better)
Exercises
Practise what you’ve learned with these simple activities.
1. Match the phrase to its meaning
- It’s the bee’s knees.
- That one’s more “you.”
- It’s way pricier.
- I’d steer clear of it.
- They’re more or less the same.
a. It’s really good.
b. I don’t think you should buy it.
c. They’re almost the same.
d. It costs much more.
e. It suits you better.
2. Match the phrases to a likely response
- A: I think the … looks better.
- A: I wouldn’t go near the …
- A: That …’s way more practical.
a. I know! It’s much lighter.
b. Yeah, I’d stay away from it too.
c. Really? I think the other one’s nicer.
3. Finish the sentence (speaking practice)
Complete the sentence, then try saying it aloud.
- I think the … is…
- Compared to the ……
- If I were you…
Answer key
1. Match the phrase to its meaning
- It’s the bee’s knees. → a. It’s really good.
- That one’s more “you.” → e. It suits you better.
- It’s way pricier. → d. It costs much more.
- I’d steer clear of it. → b. I don’t think you should buy it.
- They’re more or less the same. → c. They’re almost the same.
2. Match the phrases to a likely response
- A: I think the … looks better. → c. Really? I think the other one’s nicer.
- A: I wouldn’t go near the … → b. Yeah, I’d stay away from it too.
- A: That …’s way more practical. → a. I know! It’s much lighter.
3. Finish the sentence (possible examples)
- I think the … is more practical and better value.
- Compared to the …, it’s much lighter and easier to use.
- If I were you, I’d definitely go for it.
