Verbal questions from any Manhattan Prep GMAT Computer Adaptive Test. Topic subject should be the first few words of your question.
Balzza
 
 

Tropical Cyclone Systems

by Balzza Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:39 pm

In comparison with tropical cyclone systems, subtropical cyclone systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds located farther from the center, and typically have a less symmetric wind field.

(A) with tropical cyclone systems, subtropical cyclone systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds located farther from the center, and typically have

(B) with tropical cyclone systems, subtropical cyclone systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds located farther from the center, and typically has

(C) with tropical cyclone systems, subtropical cyclone systems have a relatively broad zone located farther from the center of maximum winds, and typically have

(D) to tropical cyclone systems, subtropical cyclone systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds located farther from the center, and typically have

(E) to tropical cyclone systems, subtropical cyclone systems have a relatively broad zone of maximum winds located farther from the center, and typically has


When describing the similarities between unlike things, the idiom "compare to" is used. When describing the differences between like things, the idiom "compare with" is used. In this sentence, differences between two like things, a tropical cyclone systems and subtropical cyclone systems, are discussed. Therefore, the idiom "in comparison with" is the correct choice.

(A) CORRECT. The sentence is correct as written.



The explanation for this question is clear and makes sense.

However, my question is this... Does the same rule apply to the use of the idIoms "contrast to" and "contrast with"...??

To me, this is a difficult distinction to make. For instance, would the following sentence be correct...??


In contrast with red ants, black ants are harder to spot as they crawl across the asphalt.
rfernandez
Course Students
 
Posts: 381
Joined: Fri Apr 07, 2006 8:25 am
 

by rfernandez Fri Aug 01, 2008 2:07 am

Contrast to and contrast with are synonymous: both are used to show how things are different. So, in short, the same rule does not apply.