analogy between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "analogy between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a comparison of one thing with another, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. For example: "The analogy between the human body and a car engine helps me to remember how the various systems work together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm not drawing an analogy between judicial execution and terrorism.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the analogy between the two stops there.

The New York Times

Is there an analogy between gardening and directing?

The Guardian

The analogy between smoking and obesity is an interesting one.

The New Yorker

The analogy between banks and students is not perfect.

The New York Times

The analogy between this week's terrorist attacks and Pearl Harbor is apt in one sense.

The New York Times

It may be enlightening here to consider an analogy between altruism and prudence.

The New York Times - Magazine

The asserted analogy between 1960 and today's situation is false anyway.

The New York Times

Because there is a clear analogy between the soaring dollar and the recent tech bubble.

The New York Times

David Brooks makes an analogy between the war in Iraq and the Passover story.

The New York Times

Which may be why the analogy between Daly and Dick Clark seems particularly apt.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the "analogy between", clearly state both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity and ensure the relationship is explicit.

Common error

Avoid stretching the "analogy between" too far; ensure the compared elements share genuine similarities rather than superficial resemblances, which can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "analogy between" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a comparison. It sets the stage for exploring similarities between two distinct subjects, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples. The phrase typically requires two nouns or noun phrases to complete the comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "analogy between" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to draw a comparison between two distinct subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase finds frequent application in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. It is used to clarify complex ideas by relating them to more familiar concepts. When using the phrase, it's crucial to avoid oversimplification and ensure genuine similarities exist between the compared elements. Alternatives include phrases like "similarity between" and "comparison of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relation linking

Replaces "analogy" with "relation" which is a more general term, and uses "linking" to emphasize a connection.

comparison connecting

Substitutes "analogy" with "comparison" and "between" with "connecting", changing from a static analogy to an active comparison.

comparison identified

Shifts the focus to the act of identifying a comparison, suggesting that it has been specifically found or determined.

correspondence established

Changes "analogy" to "correspondence", indicating a direct matching relation instead of an inferred similarity.

connection drawn

Focuses on the act of drawing a connection rather than the existence of an analogy itself, altering the emphasis.

linkage connecting

Uses "linkage" as a noun, which emphasizes direct connection rather than comparative similarity.

similarity linking

Replaces "analogy" with "similarity" and uses "linking" to emphasize connection, altering the focus slightly from comparison to direct connection.

resemblance noted

Emphasizes the observed similarity, making it about the perception of likeness rather than a structured comparison.

parallel existing

Uses "parallel" to suggest a side-by-side correspondence, and "existing" to describe relationship, reducing the specific implication of reasoned similarity.

correlation showing

Employs "correlation" to highlight a statistical or direct relationship rather than a figurative or reasoned analogy.

FAQs

How can I use "analogy between" in a sentence?

Use "analogy between" to draw parallels between two different concepts or things. For example: "The analogy between the brain and a computer is often used to explain cognitive processes."

What is a good substitute for "analogy between"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "similarity between", "comparison of", or "connection between".

What makes an effective "analogy between"?

An effective "analogy between" highlights relevant similarities that aid understanding and provides clear, concise explanations. It should not oversimplify or create misleading comparisons.

How does the "analogy between" differ from a direct comparison?

While a direct comparison points out similarities and differences, an "analogy between" aims to explain or clarify one concept by likening it to another, often more familiar one. It's not just about listing traits but illuminating understanding.