are analogous to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are analogous to" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is a comparison between two ideas or objects that share a common quality or feature, but are still distinct from one another. For example, "The structure of the human body and the architecture of a skyscraper are analogous to each other in terms of their complexity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These simultaneous events are analogous to the alternative futures available to our nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Being responsible for other people's assets, they are analogous to banks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Record producers are analogous to movie directors, controlling recording, mixing and mastering, among other things.

The New York Times - Arts

The speed and the range of the movie are analogous to the way the disease spreads.

The New Yorker

Such melodies are analogous to poetry written in symmetrical verses with lines of equal length and repeated phrases.

The New York Times - Arts

The companies are analogous to feudal lords and we are their vassals, peasants and – on a bad day – serfs.

The Guardian - Tech

In your piece, you raise the athletic metaphor, in which top business-school grads are analogous to great natural athletes.

The New Yorker

"This is unsurprising because female ornaments in sex-role-reversed species are analogous to male ornaments in conventional role species".

The New York Times - Science

The bracelets of red and green beads mentioned above are analogous to constitutional isomers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These events are analogous to the diverse experiences each person encounters as they grow to maturity.

Independent

Chemical reactions of enantiomers are analogous to a hand grasping a ball.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are analogous to", ensure that the comparison highlights specific shared characteristics or functions, rather than a general resemblance. This strengthens the analogy and clarifies the relationship for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "are analogous to" if the similarity is superficial or weak. A misleading analogy can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Use more accurate terms like "are similar to" or "are related to" when the connection is less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are analogous to" functions as a comparative connector, establishing a relationship of similarity or correspondence between two distinct entities. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its utility in various contexts to highlight shared attributes or functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are analogous to" is a versatile phrase used to draw meaningful comparisons between different concepts, highlighting shared attributes or functions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic writing. While alternatives like "are similar to" exist, "are analogous to" implies a deeper, more structural or functional correspondence. When employing this phrase, ensure that the analogy is clear and relevant to enhance understanding rather than creating confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are similar to

This phrase indicates a general resemblance, but might not imply the same degree of functional equivalence as "are analogous to".

are comparable to

This phrase suggests that the items can be evaluated against each other, highlighting shared characteristics, but may not fully capture the concept of analogous functions.

are resembling to

This is a direct comparison indicating a visual or superficial similarity.

are akin to

Implies a likeness or resemblance, often suggesting a shared origin or nature.

are parallel to

Suggests that the items run alongside each other or have similar development, but may not be functionally identical.

are related to

This is a broader term indicating some connection, but it doesn't specify the nature or degree of similarity.

are correspondent to

This indicates a direct matching or relating to something else.

are equivalent to

This phrase denotes a stronger relationship, implying that the items have the same value or effect, which is a higher degree of similarity than "are analogous to".

are mirroring to

Suggests a reflection or close correspondence, often implying a structural or functional similarity.

are commensurate to

Suggests a proportional or corresponding relationship in size, degree, or amount.

FAQs

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

Use "are analogous to" to draw a comparison between two things that share similar characteristics or functions. For example, "The human brain and a computer "are analogous to" each other in their processing of information."

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

"Are similar to" indicates a general resemblance, while "are analogous to" suggests a deeper functional or structural correspondence. Analogy highlights specific points of similarity, implying a more insightful comparison. Use "are similar to" when a general likeness exists, and "are analogous to" when specific functions or relationships are comparable.

What can I say instead of "are analogous to"?

Alternatives include "are similar to", "are comparable to", or "are related to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is analogous with" instead of "are analogous to"?

While "analogous with" is sometimes used, "analogous to" is the more standard and widely accepted preposition. Using "analogous to" ensures clarity and aligns with common usage.