analog

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'analog' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation or object that is similar or comparable to another. For example, "The analog between the two countries' current political situations is striking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ive told Parker: "I thought it would be interesting if it were less precise, and just a little bit more spitty... more analog and more primitive, and I think, in that way, somehow more ominous".

The Guardian - Tech

Related: Apple 27in iMac with retina 5K display review: oh my that screen Jobs liked digital facsimiles of analog designs, with the fake leather stitching of iCal and other apps based on the interior of Jobs' private jet.

The Guardian - Tech

This set Dr Mead thinking about how a fly can process sensory information much faster than even the most advanced digital computer.Building an entire eye or ear was clearly out of the question, but something similar might be done using analog circuits to simulate the workings of parts of the animal's nervous system, such as the retina or cochlea.

The Economist

The highly efficient analog systems described above are far more difficult to design than their conventional counterparts.

The Economist

And while they are good at giving trends, they are poor at determining exact values.In analog circuits, numbers are represented qualitatively: 0.5 reflecting, say, a voltage that has been halved by increasing the value of a resistor; 0.25 as a quarter the voltage following a further increase in resistance, etc.

The Economist

Offset the swimmers by a couple of feet, and they never touch.OFDM took off in 1990s, when digital signal processors (DSPs)—the kit that turns analog signals into digital and the other way round became cheap enough to stick piles of them in affordable broadband modems.

The Economist

Recall it was Google that started the bidding in March for the highly prized block of 700-megahertz frequencies occupied by analog television's channels 52 to 69.In the process, Google persuaded the FCC to attach "open-access" conditions to the block.

The Economist

The 700-megahertz frequencies used by channels 52 to 69 of analog television are being freed up by the switch to all-digital broadcasting in February 2009.The frequencies concerned are among the world's most valuable.

The Economist

For the first time, parents can now buy their children analog "creatures", thanks to Mark Tilden, a robotics expert at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

The Economist

In short, they are wholly analog machines, not digital ones.The payoff for this "biological validity", comes in size, speed and low power consumption.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In this case, a biologist, robotics engineer and analog-chip designer collaborated on a walking robot that used the principle of a "central pattern generator" (CPG a kind of flexible pacemaker that humans and other animals use for locomotion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting "analog" with "digital", ensure clarity by specifying the system or process to which each term applies.

Common error

Avoid using "analog" when you mean "analogy". "Analog" typically refers to continuous signals or systems, while "analogy" refers to a comparison between two things.

Linguistic Context

The word "analog" primarily functions as an adjective, describing systems or devices that use continuous physical quantities to represent data. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts ranging from "analog designs" to "analog circuits".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "analog" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting continuous, non-discrete representations, and is used contrastively with "digital". As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage is widespread across various contexts, most prominently in News & Media and Science domains. While grammatical status is "Correct", ensure the term isn't confused with "analogy". Understanding the best practices and avoiding common errors will ensure that "analog" is used accurately. Given the versatility of "analog", it is a valuable term for communicating technical distinctions and historical contexts effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

analogue

This is a direct synonym, often used interchangeably, particularly in British English. It changes the spelling.

similar

This term indicates a resemblance or likeness, broadening the scope beyond exact correspondence. It changes the scope and level of precision.

comparable

This term suggests a degree of equivalence for the purpose of comparison. It changes the focus on comparison.

parallel

This term implies a correspondence or similarity in direction or tendency. It changes the directionality focus.

matching

This suggests an exact correspondence or similarity. It emphasizes exactness.

equivalent

This indicates that two things have the same value, use, or meaning. It changes to a focus on sameness.

corresponding

This implies a direct relationship or similarity between two things. It changes to a focus on relationship.

akin

This suggests a similarity in quality or character. It changes to a focus on quality.

related

This indicates a connection or association. It broadens to connections more generally.

resembling

This implies a visual or superficial similarity. It changes to a visual focus.

FAQs

How is "analog" used in contrast to "digital"?

"Analog" describes systems that use continuous signals, while "digital" systems use discrete values. For example, an "analog clock" has hands that move continuously, whereas a digital clock displays numbers that change in steps.

What's the difference between "analog" and "analogue"?

"Analog" and "analogue" are essentially the same, with "analogue" being more common in British English.

In what contexts is "analog" commonly used?

"Analog" is commonly used in discussions about electronics, music production, and photography, often to distinguish traditional methods from digital ones. Examples include "analog synthesizer" or "analog photography".

What can I say instead of "analog" to describe something similar?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "similar", "comparable", or "parallel" to describe something that shares characteristics with something else.