analogous to the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "analogous to the" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to compare two things or concepts that are similar or comparable in some way. For example: - The relationship between a teacher and their students is analogous to that of a shepherd and their flock. - The way our bodies process food is analogous to how a car engine converts fuel into energy. - The author's writing style is often analogous to that of their favorite novelist.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it analogous to the mammalian ear?

University of California, Berkeley

Analogous to the unix 'paste' command.

Harvard University

This series was analogous to the Yankees' entire season.

The New York Times - Sports

It is also comically analogous to the novel's narrative method.

The Guardian - Books

The family is analogous to the state in this way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither is particularly analogous to the current race.

The New York Times

Software-defined convergence is analogous to the smartphone.

MIT Technology Review

That's analogous to the ordinary procedure for appending two lists.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The magnetic flux is analogous to the electric current.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter are analogous to the peptides studied previously.

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

The failure voltage is analogous to the "failure time".

Microelectronics Reliability

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "analogous to the", ensure the comparison highlights a specific, relevant similarity that clarifies your point. Avoid using it for vague or superficial resemblances.

Common error

Avoid embedding "analogous to the" within already complex sentence structures. This can lead to convoluted and confusing prose. Instead, break down the comparison into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "analogous to the" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing an analogy. It serves to draw comparisons between two distinct entities, highlighting shared characteristics or functions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "analogous to the" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw meaningful comparisons between different entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, notably in scientific, news, and academic domains. While "similar to the" and "comparable to the" serve as viable alternatives, "analogous to the" emphasizes a deeper functional or structural similarity. When employing this phrase, clarity and relevance are key to enhancing your writing. Be mindful of sentence complexity to avoid confusion, and ensure that your analogy adds genuine insight. Top sources like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Science Magazine frequently employ this phrase, highlighting its legitimacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to the

Emphasizes resemblance rather than direct correspondence.

comparable to the

Highlights the ability to compare, focusing on shared characteristics.

akin to the

Suggests a similarity in nature or quality, implying a close relationship.

equivalent to the

Indicates a functional or practical equality, often used in technical contexts.

corresponding to the

Highlights a direct, matching relationship between two things.

resembling the

Focuses on visual or superficial similarities.

on par with the

Suggests an equal level of quality or performance.

much like the

Informal and emphasizes similarity in a more casual tone.

in the same vein as the

Indicates a shared style, approach, or theme.

parallel to the

Emphasizes the alignment or similarity in direction or development.

FAQs

How can I use "analogous to the" in a sentence?

Use "analogous to the" to draw a comparison between two different things that share similar characteristics or functions. For example, "The heart's function in the body is analogous to the role of a pump in a machine".

What are some alternatives to "analogous to the"?

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

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

While "analogous to the" is suitable for formal writing, ensure the comparison is clear and contributes meaningfully to the argument. If the analogy is weak or irrelevant, it's best to use a more direct explanation.

What's the difference between "similar to the" and "analogous to the"?

"Similar to the" indicates a general resemblance, whereas "analogous to the" implies a deeper, functional or structural similarity. "Analogous" suggests a more reasoned and insightful comparison.