making an analogy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making an analogy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the act of comparing two different things to highlight their similarities. Example: "In her speech, she was making an analogy between the struggles of the past and the challenges we face today."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He reviewed the profession's growing understanding of the business cycle, making an analogy with other sciences.

The Economist

But I believe that Senator Warren has a valid point in making an analogy between federal support for banks and support for college students.

The New York Times

In this work, we discuss osmosis through a slit by making an analogy between the solute and the ideal gas molecules in the dilute solution.

Chemical Engineering Science

They see their donations more in the spirit of philanthropy than investment (Please don't send us hate-mail, we're just making an analogy).

The Washington Post

It would be a gross error to assume that in making an analogy between the family and formal organizations the parental role is strictly paternal.

Harvard Business Review

Paul's lines are often robotic; once, making an analogy having to do with mood swings, he says to Laura, "I don't know if you know anything about scuba diving.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

He then made an analogy.

The New York Times

Climate scientists sometimes make an analogy to smoking and cancer.

The New York Times - Science

I can probably make an analogy with bonds.

The New York Times - Science

He added that Mr. Akin, "made an analogy — probably could have made a better one.

The New York Times

"I wanted to make an analogy to what is currently happening in Iraq, Masonn explains.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "making an analogy", ensure that the compared elements share enough relevant similarities to make the comparison meaningful and avoid misleading the audience.

Common error

Avoid pushing an analogy too far; recognize its limitations and acknowledge dissimilarities to prevent misinterpretations or flawed conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making an analogy" functions as a verbal phrase describing the act of drawing a comparison between two things to explain or clarify a concept. Ludwig examples show its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "making an analogy" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of drawing comparisons for illustrative or explanatory purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, and it appears frequently in science, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the analogy is relevant and doesn't overstretch the comparison. Alternatives like "drawing a comparison" or "drawing a parallel" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoid pushing the analogy too far to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding an analogy

Focuses on the search and discovery of a relevant comparison.

offering an analogy

Highlights the act of suggesting a comparison for illustrative purposes.

drawing a comparison

Focuses on the act of comparing, highlighting similarities between two things.

drawing a parallel

Emphasizes the similarity or correspondence between two things.

drawing a likeness

Highlights the similarities in appearance, character, or quality.

drawing a similarity

Directly points out the existing resemblance between distinct entities.

drawing an equivalence

Focuses on establishing an equal value or meaning between different items.

presenting a comparison

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting the similarities between two things.

drawing a connection

Emphasizes the act of linking two seemingly unrelated items.

establishing a correspondence

Highlights the relationship between two elements, often in a formal context.

FAQs

How can I use "making an analogy" in a sentence?

You can use "making an analogy" to describe the process of comparing two things to illustrate a point. For example, "The speaker was "making an analogy" between the human brain and a computer to explain cognitive processes."

What are some alternatives to "making an analogy"?

Some alternatives to "making an analogy" include "drawing a comparison", "drawing a parallel", or "offering an analogy" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "making an analogy" and "drawing a comparison"?

While both phrases involve comparing two things, "making an analogy" often implies a more elaborate or illustrative comparison, whereas "drawing a comparison" is a more general term for pointing out similarities.

When is it appropriate to use "making an analogy" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "making an analogy" when you want to explain a complex concept by relating it to something more familiar or understandable, thus clarifying its nature or function.