Improve Your Writing - 6 ways to compare

Summary

In this video, Emma teaches viewers useful vocabulary for comparing similarities between two things. Focusing on how Canada and England are alike, she explains words like 'both,' 'like,' 'similarly,' 'in comparison,' and 'likewise,' showing how to use them in sentences. These terms are helpful for TOEFL, IELTS, and academic writing. Emma also emphasizes correct sentence structure and prepositions while giving examples such as comparing pets, countries, or languages. Viewers are encouraged to visit the website for quizzes and additional learning resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video teaches key words for comparing similarities between two things.
• 🍎 'Both' is commonly used when comparing two things, and it often comes at the beginning of a sentence.
• 🇨🇦 Canada and England are used as examples of comparisons throughout the video.
• 🗣 The word 'like' can be used to show similarities, and it often comes at the beginning of a sentence followed by a noun.
• 📝 Comparison words like 'Similarly', 'In comparison', 'In the same way', and 'Likewise' can help emphasize similarities in writing.
• 🐱 The examples given, such as comparing 'cats and dogs', help illustrate how to use comparison words effectively.
• 📚 Words like 'is similar to' and 'is the same as' show different degrees of similarity between two things.
• 👩‍🏫 The video mentions that these comparison words are useful for TOEFL, IELTS, essays, and general conversation.
• 🔑 'In comparison' can also be used to show differences, depending on context.
• 💻 Viewers are encouraged to visit the website for more resources and practice using comparison words correctly.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video focuses on teaching key words and expressions used when talking about similarities between things, specifically how to compare two items and show their similarities.

What examples are used to illustrate comparing similarities?

The speaker uses several examples, such as comparing apples and oranges, comparing Canada and England, and comparing cats and dogs.

What is the significance of the word 'both' in comparisons?

The word 'both' is used to indicate that two things share a characteristic. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence, in the form 'both A and B'. For example, 'Both Canada and England have a queen.'

How is the word 'like' used differently in comparisons?

'Like' is used at the beginning of a sentence to compare two things by highlighting their similarity. For example, 'Like Canada, England has many immigrants.' This use of 'like' is different from expressing preference.

What are some other words or phrases used to express similarities?

Words like 'similarly', 'in comparison', 'in the same way', and 'likewise' can be used to show similarities between two things. These words are often followed by a comma when placed at the beginning of a sentence.

What is the difference between 'similar to' and 'the same as'?

'Similar to' suggests that two things are alike but not identical, while 'the same as' implies a stronger similarity, indicating that two things are almost identical.

What preposition should be used with 'similar'?

The correct preposition to use with 'similar' is 'to', as in 'Canada is similar to England'.

Can 'in comparison' be used to show both similarities and differences?

Yes, 'in comparison' can be used to show both similarities and differences between two things, depending on the context.

What are some common mistakes students make with comparison expressions?

A common mistake is using the wrong preposition, such as saying 'similar of' or 'similar for' instead of 'similar to'.

How can these comparison expressions be useful for language tests like TOEFL or IELTS?

These comparison expressions, such as 'similarly', 'likewise', and 'in the same way', are useful in language tests because they help improve clarity and coherence in writing and speaking tasks, which is important for achieving a higher score.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Introduction to Similarities in Language

In this introductory paragraph, the speaker, Emma, explains the topic of the video: discussing words and phrases used to highlight similarities when comparing two things. She uses examples such as comparing apples to oranges or a city to the countryside to illustrate the use of this language. Emma emphasizes that these expressions are particularly important for students preparing for exams like the TOEFL and IELTS, as well as for general English learners. She introduces the theme of comparing Canada and England to show how specific words can indicate similarities between the two countries.

05:03

📝 Using 'Both' and 'Like' for Comparisons

This paragraph dives into specific comparison words like 'both' and 'like' and their usage. Emma explains that 'both' often appears at the beginning of a sentence and follows the construction 'both A and B'. She provides examples like, 'Both Canada and England have a queen.' Similarly, 'like' is used to indicate similarity but often starts a sentence, as in, 'Like Canada, England has many immigrants.' She uses various examples involving animals and gender to further clarify this point. The paragraph also introduces linking phrases like 'Similarly,' 'In comparison,' 'In the same way,' and 'Likewise' to highlight shared characteristics in complex sentences.

10:05

✍️ Expanding on Comparison Phrases

In this paragraph, Emma elaborates on the use of advanced comparison words to connect sentences. She shows how terms like 'Similarly,' 'In comparison,' 'In the same way,' and 'Likewise' can be used at the beginning of sentences to indicate similarity. Each of these terms is followed by a comma and often connects two distinct but related ideas. She uses examples comparing pets (dogs and cats) to illustrate how these phrases enhance the cohesiveness of writing and speaking, making it clearer for the audience to see how two things are alike. These expressions are recommended for use in academic writing, especially for exams like TOEFL and IELTS.

📚 Comparison Words in the Middle of Sentences

Emma introduces new comparison phrases that typically appear in the middle of sentences, such as 'is similar to' and 'is the same as.' She emphasizes the importance of using the correct prepositions, as many students mistakenly say 'similar of' or 'similar for' instead of the correct 'similar to.' The phrase 'is the same as' is slightly stronger, indicating a higher degree of similarity. Emma uses Canada and England as examples, as well as comparing pets, to show how these phrases function within sentences. This paragraph also includes practice sentences where students can insert the appropriate comparison phrases.

🌐 Practical Usage and Closing Remarks

In the final paragraph, Emma invites viewers to practice the new vocabulary on her website, www.engvid.com, which offers quizzes to test and reinforce these expressions. She encourages users to ensure they are using the correct prepositions and words in context. She also highlights other resources available, such as lessons on grammar, pronunciation, and general English usage. Emma concludes by thanking the audience and encourages them to subscribe for more educational videos.

👋 Final Farewell

This brief concluding paragraph serves as Emma's sign-off, where she thanks viewers for their attention and wishes them well until the next video. She leaves with a warm message of 'take care,' ending the lesson on a positive note.

Keywords

💡Both

The word 'both' is used to compare two items and highlight their similarities. In the video, 'both' is introduced as a way to show how Canada and England are alike in certain ways, such as 'Both Canada and England have a queen.' It emphasizes the equal presence of a quality or feature in two different subjects.

💡Like

'Like' is used to compare two things by showing how one is similar to the other. In the video, the speaker uses 'like' to compare Canada and England, such as 'Like Canada, England has many immigrants.' This form is helpful in making straightforward comparisons in conversation or writing.

💡Similarly

'Similarly' is used to indicate that two things share a characteristic or are alike in some way. The video uses 'Similarly' when discussing the commonality of English being spoken in both Canada and England, e.g., 'In England, they speak English. Similarly, in Canada, many people speak English.'

💡In comparison

'In comparison' is a phrase that can be used to highlight similarities or differences between two things. In the video, it is mainly used to show similarities, but the speaker notes that it can also show contrasts. For instance, 'In England, they speak English. In comparison, in Canada many people also speak English.'

💡In the same way

'In the same way' is used to indicate that two actions or conditions are similar. In the video, the speaker uses this phrase to compare the use of English in Canada and England: 'In England, they speak English. In the same way, in Canada, many people speak English.' It emphasizes that two processes or situations follow a similar pattern.

💡Likewise

'Likewise' functions similarly to 'similarly' and is used to express that something is in the same manner as something else. An example from the video is: 'In England, they speak English. Likewise, in Canada, many people speak English.' It serves to draw a direct parallel between two ideas or actions.

💡Is similar to

The phrase 'is similar to' indicates that two things share a resemblance. In the video, it is used to describe how 'Canada is similar to England,' referring to how both countries share common features. It highlights the likeness between two subjects without suggesting they are identical.

💡Is the same as

'Is the same as' expresses that two things are identical in some respect. In the video, the speaker provides this phrase as a stronger comparison than 'similar to,' as in 'Canada is the same as England.' It suggests that the two entities being compared have no notable differences in the discussed feature.

💡Comparing

The concept of 'comparing' is central to the video, as the speaker discusses the different ways to express similarities between two things. Whether it's comparing cities, countries, or animals, the video introduces various words and phrases like 'both,' 'similarly,' and 'like' to make comparisons in English.

💡Multicultural

'Multicultural' refers to the presence of many different cultural or ethnic groups within a society. In the video, the speaker uses this term when comparing England and the USA, stating, 'Like England, the USA is very multicultural.' It highlights that both countries have diverse populations with people from various parts of the world.

Highlights

Introduction to comparing things by talking about similarities.

The example of comparing apples and oranges to demonstrate the concept of similarities.

Focus on comparing Canada and England to explore how they are similar.

Key comparison expression: using 'both' to show how two things are the same (e.g., Both Canada and England have a queen).

'Both' often comes at the beginning of a sentence in the form 'both A and B'.

Another comparison expression: 'Like' at the beginning of a sentence to show similarities (e.g., Like Canada, England has many immigrants).

Explanation of how 'like' is used with nouns to compare (e.g., Like cats, dogs have fur).

Comparing language: In England, they speak English. Similarly, in Canada, many people speak English.

Different phrases to show similarities: 'Similarly,' 'In comparison,' 'In the same way,' and 'Likewise'.

Explanation of how to use 'similarly' and 'likewise' at the beginning of sentences, followed by a comma.

Clarification that 'in comparison' can be used for both similarities and differences.

'Is similar to' and 'is the same as' explained with examples (e.g., Canada is similar to England; Canada is the same as England).

Practical examples of using comparison words like 'similarly' and 'likewise' with sentences comparing pets (e.g., Dogs are great pets. Similarly, cats are also great pets).

Emphasis on the correct prepositions with comparison expressions (e.g., 'is similar to' vs. incorrect 'is similar of').

Final example of comparing multiculturalism: 'Like England, the USA is very multicultural.'

Transcripts

Hello. My name is Emma, and in today's video, I am going to teach you some key words you

can use when you talk about how things are the same or similar. Okay? So when you compare

two things -- when you're comparing apples and oranges, there are some similarities.

They're both fruits. When you're comparing shopping to skiing, when you're comparing

a city to a country or the countryside -- there is a certain language we like to use when

we're saying how these things are similar or the same. In this video, I'm going to teach

you a bunch of expressions you can use when comparing two things to show their similarities.

Okay? So this video is called "Talking about similarities".

So for this video, I decided I wanted to do a theme. I wanted to look at how Canada and

England are similar. In what ways are they very much alike? Okay? So each of my sentences

are going to have to do with Canada and England, and we're going to look at how they're alike

using these comparison words.

So for those of you watching, if you are doing the TOEFL, these words are essential. If you

are doing the IELTS -- very important vocabulary here. General English, you can use these at

university for essays, college, or even just general conversation. So let's get started.

Okay. So how are Canada and England the same? Well, I would say, first of all, both Canada

and England have a queen. Both Canada and England have Queen Elizabeth. So one word

we often use when we're talking about similarities is this word, "both". Both Canada and England

have a queen. Both Canada and England have trees. Both Canada and England have cities.

Okay? So there are a lot of different things you can compare. This is just one of them.

Now, I want to say why I wrote the word "beginning" here. "Both" often comes at the beginning

of a sentence. And notice how the construction is. We have both A and B. Another example,

"Both cats and dogs are animals." "Both hamsters and mice are rodents." Okay? So we use this

a lot when we're comparing.

We can also say "like". In this case, we're not saying, "I like Canada" or "I like" -- you

know, showing preference -- we're again showing similarity. "Like Canada, England has many

immigrants." Canada has many immigrants. England has many immigrants. "Like Canada, England

has many immigrants." And again, you'll notice "like" is at the beginning of the sentence.

It's often -- not always, but often -- at the beginning. We have it followed by a noun.

I could change this to something else. Imagine if I wanted to compare cats and dogs.

"Like cats, dogs have fur." Okay? I could say that. If I'm comparing men and women,

"Like women, men are human." Okay? It's not the greatest of comparisons, but you can use these types

of words when you're comparing. Okay?

So now, I have some other things I want to compare. In England, they speak English. In

Canada, we also speak English. Not everybody, but many Canadians speak English. Some speak

French, but a lot of people speak English. So I'm going to teach you some words you can

use when comparing these two sentences. "In England, they speak English. Similarly, in

Canada many people speak English, too. In comparison, in Canada many people also speak

English. In the same way, in Canada many people speak English." And finally, another way similar

to this but slightly different, "Likewise, in Canada many people speak English."

So these are a little bit different from these ones. They all mean how they are the same.

But you'll notice one of the differences here is these are followed by a comma. "Likewise,

comma." And then, we have the rest of the sentence. These go at the beginning of the

sentence. Okay? In case you can't tell, this is a period. So we have our first sentence,

"In England, they speak English. Similarly, in Canada many people speak English." Okay?

So you can use these in your writing. They would really, really help on your TOEFL, IELTS,

or university essays to help you get a better mark.

One other thing to say about these, just to give another example -- let's use cats and

dogs because it's easier. If we wanted to compare cats and dogs, maybe we could talk

about how they're great pets. People love cats; people love dogs. Okay? Maybe you don't

like them, but just for the example. So we can say, "Dogs are great pets. Similarly,

cats are also great pets. Dogs are great pets. In comparison, cats are also great pets. In

the same way, cats are great pets. Or likewise." Okay?

So now, let's look at some more of these types of expressions. Okay. Before we move on to

some comparison words that you can use in the middle of a sentence, I just wanted to

add one note about "in comparison". Okay? "In comparison" is also used with differences.

When you compare two things, you're saying how they're alike. But sometimes, because

of the way we use the word, "in comparison" can also be used when we're showing things

that are different. It's used in both of these ways. Okay?

So now, let's look at some sentences -- the middle of some sentences, some new words we

can use. The first one I want to teach you is "is similar to". Okay? And the key here

is preposition. A lot of the times, students don't put the right preposition. So they'll

say "is similar of", "is similar for". In this case, it's "to". "Canada is similar to

England." This is one way to show equality or similarity. "Cats are similar to dogs."

Okay? Another example, we can also say "is the same as". "Canada is the same as England."

This is a little stronger than "is similar to" because you're saying they're pretty much

the same. A lot of people would disagree, but just another word, "is the same as". Okay.

So let's use some of these together. I have here a blank. "England -- the USA" What similar

word or what comparing word can we use here? Take a moment to think. We could say, "England

is similar to the USA" Do you agree with that? I don't know. Tell me what you think.

Let's look at B. "In England, people speak English -- in the USA" So what could we add

here? "In England, people speak English -- in the USA." So there's actually a mistake here.

We'll add "people also speak English.

Okay. So what could we put over here? There are

many different things we could put. We could put "similarly"; we could put "likewise".

Okay? "In comparison." There are many different words we could use here.

Finally, let's try the last one. "Blank -- England, the USA is very multicultural." Meaning there

are people from all over the word living there. What could we say here? That's right, "like".

"Like England, the USA is very multicultural."

So thank you for watching this video. I invite you to come check out our website at www.engvid.com.

There, you can practice all of these words in our quiz. You can make sure that you're

using the correct preposition, the correct words in the correct ways. So I invite you

to come visit our website. Also, you can subscribe to my videos. There are a lot of different

resources on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and many more things.

So until next time, take care.