analogy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "analogy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain a concept by comparing it to something more familiar. For example, you might say, "The relationship between a parent and a child is like an analogy for the relationship between a ruler and a citizen".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"One analogy that was used, and I can't exactly remember where this came from, is that it was a bit analogous to moving house.

The Guardian

In that analogy, Labour would be looking for a successor who could lead them to power within five years.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are those in the tourist board who won't thank me for saying this, but you can probably extend the analogy of Antigua's cricketing eclipse to cover tourism.

The Guardian - Travel

At some shallow level there is, of course, a crass analogy that's not worth making between Lucas's stockinged nude sprawled on a chair and a Rubens woman – but it's not a revealing insight about either artist.

The Guardian - Arts

To use a scientific analogy, if you leave something alone too long then it stagnates and creates infection.

The Guardian

Mr Oliver used the analogy to answer a question about the Tories' strategy to counter the threat of Ukip in the European elections.

The Guardian

To use a recent analogy, we need to do all we can to make sure that any steam escaping from the pressure cooker of social funding reductions does not harm those in need of care and support or their carers".

The Guardian

Despite initial "teething troubles," Allan soon became regarded with a reverence almost befitting the Pope - the analogy is his, not mine.

The Guardian

Coyle may be the first member of the trust to use a Star Trek analogy to explain her thinking about its future.

The Guardian

We were moved to tears by Once by Morris Gleitzman David, on email This choice or recommendation may seem a little obscure, or obtuse, but I'd offer The Book of Merlyn by T H White. Though not published until 1977, it was written in 1941 and deals, not directly but through analogy, with the causes of the war and its consequences in the militarisation of human life.

The Guardian

I know, groan – but let's stick with the pub analogy.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using an "analogy", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to the topic to enhance understanding. A poorly chosen analogy can confuse the audience.

Common error

Avoid pushing an "analogy" too far; recognize its limitations. Analogies are useful for illustration, but they are not perfect substitutes for factual evidence or rigorous argument.

Linguistic Context

The word "analogy" functions primarily as a noun. It is used to denote a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "analogy" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to draw comparisons between different entities to aid understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is very high, appearing most often in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When using "analogy", ensure that the comparison is relevant and clear to avoid confusion. A common error is overextending the "analogy" beyond its logical limits. Related terms include comparison, parallel, and resemblance, each offering subtle differences in meaning. Remember that an "analogy" is a powerful tool for explanation, but it should not replace solid evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Comparison

Focuses on highlighting similarities between two things.

Similarity

A general term for pointing out likenesses.

Parallel

Emphasizes a direct correspondence or similarity in form or function.

Resemblance

Highlights the similarity in appearance or qualities.

Correspondence

Implies a direct relationship or similarity between two things.

Equivalence

Stresses equal value or meaning.

Metaphor

Uses figurative language to draw a comparison, often more artistic.

Simile

A direct comparison using "like" or "as".

Mapping

Describes a structured relationship between elements of two sets.

Correlation

Suggests a statistical relationship, not necessarily a direct similarity.

FAQs

How to use "analogy" in a sentence?

You can use "analogy" to draw a comparison between two different things to explain a concept or idea. For example, "The human brain is often described using the "computer analogy" to illustrate its complex processing capabilities".

What can I say instead of "analogy"?

You can use alternatives like "comparison", "parallel", or "resemblance" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "analogy" or "metaphor"?

"Analogy" and "metaphor" are both figures of speech that make comparisons, but an analogy is more extensive and explanatory, while a metaphor is a more direct, poetic comparison.

What's the difference between "analogy" and "simile"?

Both "analogy" and "simile" draw comparisons. A simile uses "like" or "as" to make a direct comparison (e.g., "as brave as a lion"), while an "analogy" is a broader comparison that aims to explain a relationship or similarity between two different things.