1.   Even though prices have dropped drastically compared with what they were, they are still very high compared with what I casually spend.

2.   While sales at Sears stores dropped significantly compared with a year ago, officials said consumers were again starting to buy items they typically purchase in the fall.

3.   In Penang, the prices of many items in supermarkets have dropped compared to those sold at wet markets.

4.   When asked about the most important event in foreign diplomacy this year, Alatas said that international criticism of East Timor had dropped compared to last year.