Analogous to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Analogous to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when drawing comparisons between two different things that share similar characteristics or functions. An example: "The structure of the atom is analogous to a solar system." Alternative expressions include "similar to," "comparable to," and "like."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Analogous to the Eqs.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

(Analogous to 1).

Bioinformatics

Isn't that analogous to story?

The New Yorker

"It's analogous to writing nonfiction.

The New Yorker

It's analogous to shuttle diplomacy.

The New York Times

Is there something analogous to that now?

The New York Times - Books

Why isn't this analogous to that?

The New York Times

It's analogous to bringing down a drug kingpin".

The New York Times

"It is completely analogous to a lot of business situations.

The New York Times - Magazine

This species selection is analogous to natural selection between organisms.

The New York Times - Books

Watching him, one sees something analogous to a religious transformation.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Analogous to", ensure that the comparison you're making is clear and that the shared characteristics are relevant to your point. Use it to draw meaningful parallels, not just superficial similarities.

Common error

Avoid pushing the analogy too far. Just because two things are analogous in some respects doesn't mean they are identical or that the analogy holds true in all cases. Acknowledge the limits of the comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Analogous to" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison, indicating that there are notable similarities between two distinct entities or concepts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to draw parallels, emphasizing shared characteristics or functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Analogous to" is a prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons between two entities that share notable similarities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is relevant and clarifies the point being made. While effective in formal communication, simpler alternatives like "similar to" or "comparable to" may be suitable in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Similar to

Focuses on general resemblance rather than a specific analogous relationship.

Comparable to

Emphasizes the ability to compare two things, often to highlight similarities and differences.

Equivalent to

Highlights a direct and functional equality between two things.

Resembling

Indicates a visual or superficial similarity.

In the same way as

Draws a parallel between two processes or methods.

Like

A more informal way to indicate similarity.

Sharing characteristics with

Highlights that two things have common attributes.

Bearing a resemblance to

Focuses on the likeness of appearance or nature.

In a similar vein to

Implies a likeness in style or approach.

Reflecting

Suggests that one thing mirrors or imitates another.

FAQs

How do I use "Analogous to" in a sentence?

Use "Analogous to" to draw a comparison between two things that share similar characteristics or functions. For example, "The human heart is analogous to a pump."

What are some alternatives to "Analogous to"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to", "comparable to", or "equivalent to" depending on the context.

Is "Analogous to" formal or informal?

"Analogous to" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, you might prefer "like" or "similar to".

What's the difference between "Analogous to" and "Similar to"?

"Analogous to" implies a deeper, more functional similarity, while "similar to" simply indicates a general resemblance. "The circulatory system is analogous to a city's transportation network" suggests shared functionality, whereas "The painting is similar to Van Gogh's" indicates a visual likeness.