roughly analogous to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roughly analogous to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two things that are similar in some respects but not identical. Example: "The structure of the atom is roughly analogous to a solar system, with electrons orbiting the nucleus like planets around the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And it's roughly analogous to where we are.

The New York Times - Arts

Like many Spaniards, she deploys the phrase puta madre — roughly analogous to "motherfucker" — with alacrity.

The New Yorker

"It's roughly analogous to the evangelical Christian goal of sharing the gospel.

The New York Times

The difference is roughly analogous to using a dedicated telephone line instead of an old-fashioned shared party line.

The New York Times - Tech

He also had a wife, Marie, who was roughly analogous to Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) in the film.

The Guardian - Film

Eventually he said, in tones roughly analogous to a steam hose, that "for various reasons I won't go into, that is not going to happen".

The Guardian - Sport

The prize was set up in 1992 to be roughly analogous to the Booker Prize for fiction, honoring a deserving album for artistic quality regardless of popularity.

The New York Times - Arts

It's roughly analogous to scientists trying to account for the latest results in physics using the intellectual equipment of medieval theology.

The New York Times

These so-called magnetic resonance spectral lines are only roughly analogous to the absorption and emission lines observed in optical spectra.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Williams's general Calvinist theological position was roughly analogous to that of Spilsbury, prior to becoming a Baptist he had adopted the narrower Separatist view of the church.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He takes 72 strokes roughly analogous to an 18 hole round and fills his balloon between each drive, so that he can react to the painting as it comes into focus.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "roughly analogous to" when you want to draw a comparison between two things that share key similarities but are not identical. This phrase is useful for explaining complex concepts by relating them to more familiar ones.

Common error

Avoid using "roughly analogous to" when the connection between the two subjects is tenuous or superficial. Ensure there is a meaningful basis for the comparison to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roughly analogous to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a degree of similarity or resemblance, but with an explicit acknowledgement that the comparison is not exact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "roughly analogous to" is a versatile phrase used to express similarity between two subjects, acknowledging that the comparison is not perfect. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it’s considered grammatically correct and quite common. Its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability and appropriateness in both formal and informal contexts. Remember to avoid overstating the comparison and ensure a meaningful basis for the analogy. Alternatives such as "somewhat similar to" or "broadly comparable to" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat comparable to

Replaces 'analogous' with 'comparable' and 'roughly' with 'somewhat', indicating a slightly weaker degree of similarity.

broadly similar to

Uses 'similar' instead of 'analogous', emphasizing a general resemblance rather than a specific analogy.

roughly equivalent to

Substitutes 'analogous' with 'equivalent', suggesting a functional or practical equivalence, though still approximate.

more or less akin to

Replaces 'analogous' with 'akin', conveying a natural similarity or relatedness, modified by 'more or less' for approximation.

in the same ballpark as

An informal alternative, indicating that two things are within a similar range or order of magnitude.

comparable to a certain extent with

Highlights that the comparison is only valid up to a specific point or degree.

bears some resemblance to

Focuses on the presence of shared characteristics or features, rather than a complete analogy.

has parallels with

Implies that two things have similar aspects or run alongside each other in some way.

approximates to

Indicates that one thing is a close, but not exact, representation of another.

suggests a comparison with

Less direct than "roughly analogous to", it proposes a possible comparison rather than stating it as a fact.

FAQs

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

The phrase "roughly analogous to" is used to draw a comparison, indicating similarity without implying exact equivalence. For example, "The structure of an atom is "roughly analogous to" a miniature solar system".

What's a simpler way to say "roughly analogous to"?

Alternatives include "somewhat similar to", "broadly comparable to", or "kind of like", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "analogous to" and "roughly analogous to"?

Yes, "roughly analogous to" implies a less precise comparison than "analogous to". The addition of "roughly" indicates that the similarity is not exact and there might be differences.

When is it appropriate to use "roughly analogous to" instead of "exactly the same as"?

Use "roughly analogous to" when things share key characteristics but aren't identical. "Exactly the same as" should be used when there is complete equivalence, with no differences.