analogous to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "analogous to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two things that are similar in some way. For example, "The relationship between a mother and daughter is analogous to the relationship between a father and son."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't that analogous to story?

The New Yorker

"It's analogous to writing nonfiction.

The New Yorker

Analogous to (b).

Nature

Analogous to MPI_Alltoallv.

Yale University

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

Analogous to d. Scale bar, 2 cm.

Nature

Analogous to c. Scale bar, 1 cm.

Nature

Is it analogous to the mammalian ear?

University of California, Berkeley

That makes them roughly analogous to Prop.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "analogous to" when you want to draw a comparison that highlights similarities in function, structure, or relationship, rather than superficial appearances. It implies a deeper, more meaningful connection.

Common error

Avoid using "analogous to" when a simple comparison like "similar to" would suffice. "Analogous to" is best reserved for situations where the similarity involves a complex or insightful comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "analogous to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons between two entities or concepts. It indicates that there is a similarity or parallelism in their functions, structures, or relationships. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression. The examples confirm that is a versatile way to show similarity across distinct domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "analogous to" is a versatile phrase used to draw meaningful comparisons between two things that share a similar function, relationship, or structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal and neutral contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using "analogous to", ensure that the similarity involves a complex or insightful comparison rather than a superficial one. Alternatives like "similar to", "comparable to", and "akin to" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparable to

Focuses on the degree to which two things can be compared, suggesting they share similar qualities or characteristics.

similar to

A general term indicating that two things have common attributes without necessarily being identical.

akin to

Suggests a closer, more inherent resemblance than "similar to", often implying a shared origin or nature.

equivalent to

Implies that two things have the same value, meaning, or effect in a specific context.

resembling

Highlights the visual or superficial similarities between two things.

corresponding to

Indicates a direct relationship or alignment between two things, often in terms of structure or function.

in the same vein as

Suggests that two things share a similar style, approach, or theme.

parallel to

Implies that two things run alongside each other and share similar aspects or developments.

of a piece with

Indicates that two things are consistent with each other and form a unified whole.

on a par with

Suggests that two things are of equal quality or standing.

FAQs

How do you use "analogous to" in a sentence?

Use "analogous to" to draw a comparison between two things that share a similar relationship or function. For example, "The heart is "analogous to" a pump in a circulatory system."

What can I say instead of "analogous to"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to", "comparable to", or "akin to" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "analogous to" in formal writing?

Yes, "analogous to" is suitable for formal writing. It is a precise term used to draw insightful comparisons, making it appropriate for academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

What is the difference between ""analogous to"" and "similar to"?

"Analogous to" suggests a deeper, more functional or relational similarity, while "similar to" typically refers to a more superficial or general resemblance. Use ""analogous to"" when you want to highlight a parallel in how things work or relate.