analogy introduction essay

What Is Analogy and How to Use It in Your Essay

Table of contents

• 1 Types of Analogies
• 2 How Does Analogy Compare and Enhance Writing?
• 3 Metaphor and Simile: Cornerstones of Analogy (What This Greek Word Means?)
• 4 Crafting Effective Analogies Eight Steps Guide
• 5 Polishing Your Writing Style With Analogy Examples

Analogy is a literary technique that compares related or unrelated concepts, events, or notions to one another. Before writing an analogy, you should know that this concept can implement other literary devices like metaphors or allegories.

This article sets the stage for exploring the diverse landscape of analogical writing.

As you progress, you will also:

• Define examples of analogies and discover how they elevate your essay-writing skills.
• You will learn how analogy enhances essay writing and why it can help you improve your style.
• Examine and master the use of metaphor and simile.
• Master an eight-step PapersOwl guide to learn how to craft effective analogies quickly.

Before we proceed with practical examples and dive deep into theory, let’s start with the analogy definition.

Definition of Analogy in Writing

An analogy in essay writing represents a description that compares this to that by simplifying a certain idea. What you compare may have or may not have similarities. The use of comparative language is common for an analogy. One may encounter phrases like “experienced like an old dog” or “writing essays as a busy working bee.” An analogy general idea can be made between what a young child can do and what modern computers can generate. You can compare and persuade. Likewise, a  persuasive essay author can provide an analogy between a youngster and artificial intelligence.

Analogy’s purpose is to draw comparisons and a more detailed image with a clearer description. When an unknown concept is represented, literal analogies bring more clarity. When you are asked to create a connection between unrelated concepts, analogies become helpful. When you encounter metaphors, similes, or allegories, it indicates their practical use.

Types of Analogies

Speaking of types of analogies in writing, one should focus on various types of relations.

• Analogies that identify identical relationships . These analogy examples are most common as they talk about related concepts. It is like Los Angeles to the United States or guitar to piano. By learning how to write an analogy, one can see the relation between the same country or the musical instrument analogy.
• Analogies that identify shared abstraction. An analogy of figurative language stands for shared abstractions comparing something unrelated. It aims to find commonalities or patterns that make sense. Such cases can compare learning a foreign language to watering seeds that grow into flowers as time passes. Since it is the journey, not the destination, it helps to understand the abstractive language.
• A relation of a certain part to something whole analogy . It is a comparison of two sets of the same object or two parts of the same concept.
• Cause-and-effect relation analogy. It speaks of causes like the lack of water, which causes dehydration.
• Source to product. Think about the wood and the piano manufacturing common analogies.
• Object and a clear purpose. This one can talk about books and reading or water and swimming.
• Comparison of typical characteristics. If something is essential for an object, it becomes the source of the analogy between them.
• Coming from something general to specific parts. You can make an analogy by offering a good detective book by comparing two or more things.
• Metaphors and Allegories. These elements of an analogy in poetry add creativity and literary power, like being tired as a dog or feeling hungry like a wolf.

Tip: Using literal analogies can enhance your writing by building a strong connection between concepts. For example, when you need to provide a  literature analysis essay assignment, you use the creativity and imagination of the author by seeking analogies, among other things.

How Does Analogy Compare and Enhance Writing?

The most important element of using analogy examples in your essay is its enhancement. From clarity to a better description, it offers a mental bridge to the readers. If something in an essay is obscure or complex, an analogy makes it easier to understand demanding concepts.

• Creating Vivid Mental Images.

An analogy compares things and shows a way to help people understand things. When we compare raising children to building a house brick after brick, we receive an instant mental image. Similarly, adding creative writing to an essay helps to enhance the emotional state of things.

• Simplifying Complex Concepts.

Analogy examples help to simplify things that are overly complicated and demanding. It can be used in engineering or healthcare when a certain action is compared to what people know in practice. Likewise, comparing chemical aspects of work to cooking or culinary and human taste can help to simplify things. It is a practical example that gives people more accessible things they can easily connect with.

• Using Analogy to Influence and Convince.

An analogy compares marketing and business writing concepts when the main purpose is to motivate customers. The same is true when the author has to convince. Think about social or environmental causes where cause-and-effect rhetorical devices can become a turning point for readers. A good comparison with a logical argument can help inspire and simplify things, even in marketing. Due to their explanatory nature, analogies are common in  argumentative writing essays or school debates.

• Rhetorical Devices and Analogy.

Most analogies represent rhetorical devices, as we should use at least one type of comparison. Still, it does not work the same way as similes or metaphors that deal with resemblance aspects. A correct example will seek parallels between things that are not obvious or connected in one way or another. When used for an essay assignment, it will add rhetoric to help readers determine what common qualities can be established based on what is not apparent at first glance.

• Analogy in Different Genres.

When you are asked to use examples of analogies for a school essay, the trick is to determine the main purpose and use it correctly. It means that using an analogy in a detective story is not the same as using it for marketing purposes. The same applies when an author must classify different objects for analogy in literature. Likewise, a problem-and-solution analogy can be used in education or to deliver a similar concept. If we choose history books, we can provide old and modern analogies that help us understand historical concepts more clearly.

Metaphor and Simile: Cornerstones of Analogy (What This Greek Word Means?)

Metaphors and similes represent the main cornerstones of the use of an analogy. Take a quick look at several  academic essays related to social or literary subjects, and you will most definitely encounter at least one case. Writers use metaphors to compare something or use them for a specific effect. The tricky part is that a simile is a special sub-category of a metaphor, which shows that most similes are parts of metaphors, yet not the other way around. Let’s identify each case!

A metaphor (from the Greek word “to transfer”) represents a figure of speech that aims to compare things to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. A good example would be saying that the world is a stage or that people in love represent an endless ocean of love. Of course, metaphors are not meant to be taken literally!

A typical simile will create a different type of comparison by implementing the words “like” and “as” in writing. The most famous example of a simile in writing would be the phrase “Life is a beach.” One can spot it by using a direct comparison. It must be used with caution or have an additional explanation. Remember that examples of an analogy should show and explain things, which is why a simile or a metaphor can be used.

• Identifying the Main Differences.

Summing up regarding distinctions for writing analogies, we receive the following five rules:

• A simile aims to show that something is like some other object.
• A metaphor literary device uses poetical writing to say something is another thing.
• The purpose of analogy is to offer an additional explanatory point, not merely show.
• Metaphors and similes can work for an enhancement effect when using an analogy in essay writing.
• A simile is a special subgenre of metaphors, yet not all metaphors are similes.

Crafting Effective Analogies Eight Steps Guide

Making an analogy efficient and fitting always comes down to the practical clarity of a certain description. Depending on the genre, start by analyzing your target audience to make things more accessible. If there’s a concept, think about the main elements and see what is most relevant.

• Analyze the Target Concept. Start with a proper analysis of the main concept that you outline in your essay. If you are dealing with medical practices, do not create analogies that do not fit. Keep within high morals and be sensitive. If you are composing a reflective essay, some types of analogy can be related to your past or certain experiences from your life. These should help people understand you in a better way.
• Choosing the Concept for Explanation . When you seek diverse types of analogies, think about a concept that can be used for explanatory purposes. It means that you may use historical books or comparisons to certain movies or events that have taken place before. For example, you may consider comparing a business deal to Boston’s Tea Ceremony or woodworking to learning how to play guitar well.
• Highlight Relevant Similarities. Although analogies in literature are always about seeking similarities, not all will remain clear to your readers. Therefore, one should focus on relevant similarities and highlight them the best way you can. If you state that our world is like a theater where all of us are merely actors, it should not come out of the blue but have an explanation as you quote William Shakespeare’s words.
• Forming the Basis of the Analogy. Before you add it to your essay, think about making an introduction. An analogy never comes on its own because it requires a special paragraph that highlights it and leads to an emotional climax. Once you have got what is an example of an analogy, add more analytical writing or an explanatory sentence to help your readers see your point more clearly.
• Illustrating the Analogy with Real-World Situations. An analogy sentence that does not make sense will not work. The trick is to help people connect and see how your example can be used in practice. When you say that working at Tesla corporation was like surviving Arizona’s heatwave, most Americans will be able to relate to that.
• Adapting the Analogy to Audience Knowledge. When your analogy is overly complex and relates to engineering or law essay writing, you may not achieve success with that. Remember to adapt your comparison to the level of your target audience. The key is to make things accessible and ensure that you are understood.
• Ensuring Natural Fit and Relevance. It is best to use your analogy in the middle of a paragraph. This way, you can add a special introduction and make it fit naturally. It should fit within a relevant paragraph, making it apparent to avoid using analogies as the final sentence. More space is essential since you must add transition words in an essay.
• Weaving Analogies into the Narrative. Use an analogy to show and explain a certain concept or idea. Use the same narrative tone if your essay is written this way. Adjust your writing accordingly if you use an explanatory or argumentative tone.

Polishing Your Writing Style With Analogy Examples

Coming up with a good analogy may seem challenging, especially when you must get the essay done at the last minute or when you are unsure about the emotional power of your writing. Using an analogy in writing helps you improve things and add clarity, even to the most complex subjects. Refer to the eight-step writing guide above before you start, and don’t forget to double-check existing analogy types! Lastly, remember the importance of balancing active and passive voice as you explain and use various literary devices to enhance your writing further.

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What is an Analogy? Explained With 10 Top Examples

What is an analogy? Read our guide with top examples and in-depth explanations so you can wrap your head around this literary device.

Literary devices make your prose more colorful and vivid, allowing the reader to make associations. What is an analogy? An analogy compares two seemingly unlike things to help draw a conclusion by highlighting their similarities. Unlike other comparisons, like similes and metaphors, an analogy gives more detail about the comparison to help the reader understand it better. 

While there are many different types of analogy to study, the best way to understand this and other figures of speech is to consider examples. After reading a few analogies, you will be better equipped to spot them or write your own. And when you have finished here, check out our comparison article, simile vs metaphor .

What is An Analogy?

What are the benefits of using an analogy, analogy examples, 1. a name is a rose from romeo and juliet, 2. life is a shadow from macbeth, 3. the crowd is like a fisherman in “a hanging”, 4. life is like a box of chocolates from forrest gump, 5. pulling out troops is like salted peanuts from henry kissinger, 6. the futility of a new author from cocktail time, 7. the mystery of life in let me count the ways, 8. the push for freedom is like summer’s heat in “i have a dream”, 9. a needle in a haystack, 10. rearranging deck chairs on the titanic, 11. the matrix’s pill analogy, 12. harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone, what is the opposite of an analogy, what is an example of an analogy, what is the simple definition of analogy, what are 5 examples of analogy, what is another word for an analogy.

An analogy compares two concepts, usually to explain or clarify an idea. Writers use analogies to help people understand complex or abstract topics by relating something abstract to the familiar or concrete. They also use them as a type of literary device to improve the readability of their works.

By highlighting similarities, a writer helps readers see how one thing works or behaves by comparing the characteristics of abstract ideas to more familiar ideas. As a result, a concept or idea becomes easier to understand and even more memorable.

For example, a news reporter could employ this word analogy: “The presidential race for 2024 is like a chessboard…” Teachers use different types of analogies to demonstrate a concept to a student. For this reason, analogy tests often form part of standardized tests in any good English curriculum.

Analogies work in the real world too! For example, if a running coach wants to explain how a runner can run faster, they could use an analogy like “Pump your arms like a train” to help people understand how they should use their arms and legs to run faster. You might also be interested in learning  what is tautology .

Examples of analogies exist in classic literature, the latest books, movies and TV shows. Here are a few:

Often, analogies compare abstract concepts to something you can touch and feel. There are several examples of analogy in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In this analogy, the playwright compares someone’s name to a rose. The rose retains its sweet smell no matter how it is named, as does the person, regardless of his name. Read our guide to the best books of classic literature .

“If you want my final opinion on the mystery of life and all that, I can give it to you in a nutshell. The universe is like a safe to which there is a combination. But the combination is locked up in the safe.”

Life is a difficult concept to understand, making it a favorite topic for people who write analogies. In Act V of Macbeth, Shakespeare creates an analogy example by comparing a person’s life, and its brevity, to a fleeting shadow:

“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player That struts and frets his hour upon the stage And then is heard no more. It is a tale  Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.”

Because life is so fleeting, this analogy works. The reader can see the shadow flitting about on the stage, then disappearing, reminding the reader how short life really is. You might also find these  headings and subheadings examples  helpful.

Some analogies take a little more time to explain yet still compare unlike things to make a point. For example, in his essay entitled  A Hanging  George Orwell describes the crowd gripping a man as they lead him to the gallows. The analogy is the comparison to the way a man would hold a slippery fish:

“They crowded very close about him, with their hands always on him in a careful, caressing grip, as though all the while feeling him to make sure he was there. It was like men handling a fish which is still alive and may jump back into the water. But he stood quite unresisting, yielding his arms limply to the ropes, as though he hardly noticed what was happening.”

This analogy is also an example of a simile because it uses the word “like” to make the comparison. However, because it extends beyond just one statement but has a complete description and explanation, it brings more imagery to the reader’s mind and thus is an analogy. Read our guide to the  best satirical authors .

Some analogies are short and sweet, rather than taking up an entire literary work. In the movie Forrest Gump, both the title character and his mother refer to life as a “box of chocolates.” In one of the most famous figures of speech from this movie, Forest says:

“My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

Though this is a simple statement, it is an example of an analogy. The reader has probably experienced the feeling of grabbing chocolate and wondering what flavor it is, so this is a good analogy. But, like life, that box of chocolates always has the potential to give you the unexpected. You might also be wondering,  what is point of view?

Though technically a historian and not a literary genius, Henry Kissinger was famous for many of his analogies. One of his most commonly quoted is this:

“Withdrawal of U.S. troops will become like salted peanuts to the American public; the more U.S. troops come home, the more will be demanded. This could eventually result, in effect, in demands for unilateral withdrawal.”

This quote comes from a  memorandum Kissinger sent to President Nixon  regarding the conflict in Vietnam. He warned the president that bringing troops home a little at a time would create demand for more withdrawal, just like eating tasty peanuts makes you want to eat more. 

Writing a book is definitely challenging, especially when doing so for the first time. This fact is the source of one famous analogy in literature. In  Cocktail Time , P.G. Wodehouse compares a new author to someone performing an impossible task:

“It has been well said that an author who expects results from a first novel is in a position similar to that of a man who drops a rose petal down the Grand Canyon of Arizona and listens for the echo.”

Clearly, expecting to hear an echo from a rose petal at the Grand Canyon is foolishness. Thus, based on this analogy, the logical argument that expecting to see significant returns from a first novel is also foolish. You might also be wondering  what is a split infinitive .

In his novel  Let Me Count the Ways , Dutch author and journalist  Peter De Vries  compares life and a safe. He writes:

In this analogy, the safe can’t be unlocked. Similarly, the mystery of life is something people can’t fully understand.

Speechwriters who are good at their jobs often use analogies to make their words more memorable. In his famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” Martin Luther King, Jr., makes an analogy between the anger of African-Americans and the heat of summer in this quote:

“This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality.”

Just like the heat of summer is unquenchable, the frustration of those facing endless prejudice cannot be quenched. Yet when freedom comes, it is like the relief of the cool autumn breeze. This quote is still used today when people remember the famous civil rights activist.

Finding a needle in a haystack is a nearly impossible task. This catchphrase or analogy example is often applied to tasks that seem out of reach. For instance, one common analogy says:

“Finding a good man is as easy as finding a needle in a haystack.”

This analogy indicates it is nearly impossible to find a “good man.” Though unfair to the male gender, it does make its point through the use of analogy. Most people can picture digging through the hay to find a needle, but to no avail, which makes the analogy work.

This analogy does not come from any famous literary work or speech but from a well-known historical moment. The sinking of the Titanic was one such event. Sometimes people, when talking about something futile, will say:

“That’s as useful as rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.”

Since the Titanic was a doomed vessel, the futility of the effort is seen in this use of figurative language. The phrase can apply to any effort that would not matter because the result is a failure, like the sinking of the infamous ship. Check out our metonymy examples .

In The Matrix , there is a famous scene where Morpheus presents the red pill/blue pill analogy to Neo. The analogy is a turning point in the movie where Neo has to pick which path he wants to go down. The red pill represents embracing the uncomfortable truth and becoming aware of the real world he lives in. The blue pill represents choosing the familiar and comfortable path where he can remain in his world, oblivious to the dark reality he suspects.

“You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

J.K. Rowling uses analogies throughout her works, often to give insight into the minds and personalities of the characters. In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , Professor Dumbledore speaks to Harry and imparts some of his famous wisdom.

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

In this analogy example sentence, he suggests that while having dreams and aspirations are important, it’s just as important to be grounded and present in the current moment. The analogy aims to show Harry that he should balance his ambition and reality and become mindful in the midst of the chaos that he lives in. It also encourages Harry to let go of regrets and become fully present in his life as it is today.

An antithesis highlights the differences between two contrasting ideas. For example, the analogy “Man plans, and God laughs” shows how we can strive and work towards a goal, only for God or fate to intervene and uproot our best plans. For further reading on a similar subject, check out our post on examples of metaphors in literature .

FAQs About What is an Analogy

An example of an analogy is “Hope is the lighthouse that stands tall amidst the stormy seas of despair.” The analogy emphasizes the idea that hope can help us navigate through the storms of life, guiding us toward a better future and helping us persevere in the face of challenges.

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are alike in some way, often used to help explain something or make it easier to understand.

1. Her laughter was music to his ears. 2. Time is money. 3. He is a shining star in the world of science. 4. The classroom was a zoo during the group activity. 5. Life is a journey with its share of twists and turns.

A related term for analogy is comparison. A comparison is a way of describing the similarities or differences between two things in order to better understand them.

The Value of Analogies in Writing and Speech

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• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

An  analogy  is a type of  composition  (or, more commonly, a  part  of an  essay  or  speech ) in which one idea, process, or thing is explained by  comparing  it to something else.

Extended  analogies are commonly used to make a complex process or idea easier to understand. "One good analogy," said American attorney Dudley Field Malone, "is worth three hours' discussion."

"Analogies prove nothing, that is true," wrote Sigmund Freud, "but they can make one feel more at home." In this article, we examine the characteristics of effective analogies and consider the value of using analogies in our writing.

An analogy is "reasoning or explaining from parallel cases." Put another way, an analogy is a comparison between two different things in order to highlight some point of similarity. As Freud suggested, an analogy won't settle an argument , but a good one may help to clarify the issues.

In the following example of an effective analogy, science writer Claudia Kalb relies on the computer to explain how our brains process memories:

Some basic facts about memory are clear. Your short-term memory is like the RAM on a computer: it records the information in front of you right now. Some of what you experience seems to evaporate--like words that go missing when you turn off your computer without hitting SAVE. But other short-term memories go through a molecular process called consolidation: they're downloaded onto the hard drive. These long-term memories, filled with past loves and losses and fears, stay dormant until you call them up. ("To Pluck a Rooted Sorrow," Newsweek , April 27, 2009)

Does this mean that human memory functions exactly like a computer in all ways? Certainly not. By its nature, an analogy offers a simplified view of an idea or process—an illustration rather than a detailed examination.

Analogy and Metaphor

Despite certain similarities, an analogy is not the same as a metaphor . As Bradford Stull observes in The Elements of Figurative Language (Longman, 2002), the analogy "is a figure of language that expresses a set of like relationships among two sets of terms. In essence, the analogy does not claim total identification, which is the property of the metaphor. It claims a similarity of relationships."

Comparison & Contrast

An analogy is not quite the same as comparison and contrast either, although both are methods of explanation that set things side by side. Writing in The Bedford Reader (Bedford/St. Martin's, 2008), X.J. and Dorothy Kennedy explain the difference:

You might show, in writing a comparison and contrast, how San Francisco is quite unlike Boston in history, climate, and predominant lifestyles, but like it in being a seaport and a city proud of its own (and neighboring) colleges. That isn't the way an analogy works. In an analogy, you yoke together two unlike things (eye and camera, the task of navigating a spacecraft and the task of sinking a putt), and all you care about is their major similarities.

The most effective analogies are usually brief and to the point—developed in just a few sentences. That said, in the hands of a talented writer, an extended analogy can be illuminating. See, for example, Robert Benchley's comic analogy involving writing and ice skating in "Advice to Writers."

Argument From Analogy

Whether it takes a few sentences or an entire essay to develop an analogy, we should be careful not to push it too far. As we've seen, just because two subjects have one or two points in common doesn't mean that they are the same in other respects as well. When Homer Simpson says to Bart, "Son, a woman is a lot like a refrigerator," we can be fairly certain that a breakdown in logic will follow. And sure enough: "They're about six feet tall, 300 pounds. They make ice, and . . . um . . . Oh, wait a minute. Actually, a woman is more like a beer." This sort of logical fallacy is called the argument from analogy or false analogy .

Examples of Analogies

Judge for yourself the effectiveness of each of these three analogies.

Pupils are more like oysters than sausages. The job of teaching is not to stuff them and then seal them up, but to help them open and reveal the riches within. There are pearls in each of us, if only we knew how to cultivate them with ardor and persistence. ( Sydney J. Harris, "What True Education Should Do," 1964)

Think of Wikipedia's community of volunteer editors as a family of bunnies left to roam freely over an abundant green prairie. In early, fat times, their numbers grow geometrically. More bunnies consume more resources, though, and at some point, the prairie becomes depleted, and the population crashes. Instead of prairie grasses, Wikipedia's natural resource is an emotion. "There's the rush of joy that you get the first time you make an edit to Wikipedia, and you realize that 330 million people are seeing it live," says Sue Gardner, Wikimedia Foundation's executive director. In Wikipedia's early days, every new addition to the site had a roughly equal chance of surviving editors' scrutiny. Over time, though, a class system emerged; now revisions made by infrequent contributors are much likelier to be undone by élite Wikipedians. Chi also notes the rise of wiki-lawyering: for your edits to stick, you've got to learn to cite the complex laws of Wikipedia in arguments with other editors. Together, these changes have created a community not very hospitable to newcomers. Chi says, "People begin to wonder, 'Why should I contribute anymore?'"--and suddenly, like rabbits out of food, Wikipedia's population stops growing. (Farhad Manjoo, "Where Wikipedia Ends." Time , Sep. 28, 2009)

The "great Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona, is not usually associated with the theory of monetary policy," Mervyn King explained to an audience in the City of London two years ago. But the player's performance for Argentina against England in the 1986 World Cup perfectly summarized modern central banking, the Bank of England's sport-loving governor added.

Maradona's infamous "hand of God" goal, which should have been disallowed, reflected old-fashioned central banking, Mr. King said. It was full of mystique and "he was lucky to get away with it." But the second goal, where Maradona beat five players before scoring, even though he ran in a straight line, was an example of the modern practice. "How can you beat five players by running in a straight line? The answer is that the English defenders reacted to what they expected Maradona to do. . . . Monetary policy works in a similar way. Market interest rates react to what the central bank is expected to do." (Chris Giles, "Alone Among Governors." Financial Times . Sep. 8-9, 2007)

Finally, keep in mind Mark Nichter's analogical observation: "A good analogy is like a plow which can prepare a population's field of associations for the planting of a new idea" ( Anthropology and International Health , 1989).

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Analogy Definition

What is an analogy? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

An analogy is a comparison that aims to explain a thing or idea by likening it to something else. For example, a career coach might say, "Being the successful boss or CEO of a company is like being an orchestra conductor: just as the conductor needs to stand up front where everyone— even the musicians in the back row—can see him, a good CEO needs to make sure he or she is visible and available to all of the company's employees." The career coach is not saying that CEOs are exactly like orchestra conductors in every way. Rather, comparing CEOs to conductors through analogy allows the coach to articulate an important leadership quality in a memorable way.

Some additional key details about analogies:

• Analogy has different meanings in the context of different academic fields. For instance, someone studying logic would say that analogy is "an inference that, if two things are similar in some ways, they must also be alike in others." A cognitive scientist or a lawyer would have a different definition altogether. Despite the term's broad usage, this guide will focus solely on the literary definition of analogy summarized above.
• Analogy is closely related to metaphor and simile . Sources vary in how they define the relationship between these terms, but most can agree that metaphor and simile are types of analogy.

Analogy Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce analogy: uh- nal -oh-jee

Analogy Explained

Developing a richer understanding of one thing by comparing it to another is the basic idea behind analogy. Far more than simply an illustrative or explanatory technique, analogies are fundamental to the way people think. The writer Douglas Hofstadter even went so far as to say that analogy is "the core of cognition," suggesting that the most fundamental tool we have for understanding the world is the ability to make comparisons between things.

What Makes an Analogy

Analogies can be broken down into two elements: the target and the source . The target is the unknown concept—the thing that the analogy seeks to explain—while the source (also referred to as the analog ) is the known concept, or the thing used to explain the target.

For example, if you've ever seen the Disney movie Shrek , you may remember the phrase "ogres are like onions." In a memorable scene, the ogre (Shrek) tries to explain something about the true nature of ogres to his non-ogre friend by saying:

"Ogres are like onions... Onions have layers. Ogres have layers. You get it? We both have layers."

Shrek creates an analogy comparing the source (something familiar and known, in this case an onion) to the target (something mysterious and unknown, in this case ogres). His goal is to reveal something about ogres (the unfamiliar target ) by showing that he's not so different from onions (the familiar source ) . Not all analogies are as cut-and-dry as this one, but Shrek's comparison is a good example of the basic structure of analogies. Keep in mind, it's perfectly acceptable to analyze analogies without talking about targets and sources—but these terms can be helpful in understanding the structure of analogies, especially with more complicated examples.

Analogy, Metaphor, and Simile

Analogy, metaphor and simile are all similar in that they all have to do with making comparisons. But there's some debate about the precise nature of the relationship between these three concepts. There are two main camps in this debate:

• The first camp believes that metaphor and simile are types of analogies.
• The second camp believes that metaphor and simile are not types of analogies, but distinct tools that can be used to articulate analogy.

Camp 1: Metaphors and Similes are Types of Analogies

Members of this camp see analogies as a broader category into which metaphors and similes fit. They would say that metaphors are implicit analogies, while similes are explicit analogies. In other words, metaphors implicitly perform the function of analogy—pointing out similarities between two different things—by saying that something is something else. For example, "Juliet is the sun." People in the first camp would argue that the metaphor "Juliet is the sun" is a type of analogy because it operates by making an implicit comparison, such as "Juliet and the sun are similar; just like the sun, Juliet is radiant and fills Romeo's days with light." Meanwhile, first-campers would say that the simile "Juliet is like the sun" is also a type of analogy because it draws a comparison explicitly by saying that something is like something else in some respect: "Juliet is beautiful like the sun."

Camp 2: Metaphors and Similes are Tools for Making Analogies

The second camp, however, would say that the metaphor "Juliet is the sun" does not count as analogy. Instead, they would say that the metaphor is being used as a tool to support the distinct and overarching analogy between a woman and the sun. Similarly, second-campers would say that the sentence "Juliet is beautiful like the sun" is a simile which supports the overall analogy comparing Juliet to a celestial body.

The second camp argues that analogy is distinct from metaphors and similes. It argues that analogy is a rational type of argument or explanation—that analogy is the actual conceptual comparison being made. In contrast, it argues that metaphor and simile are figures of speech —that is, they are literary devices or tools whose purpose is to describe something with figurative language rather than to explain or argue something.

However, this distinction can start to seem fuzzy when you start to ask where "describing" ends and "explaining" begins. When Romeo says that "Juliet is the sun," isn't he—in addition to describing her beauty— e xplaining to the reader his love for Juliet by comparing it to the sun?

Summing up the Camp 1 and Camp 2 Debate

It's not necessarily the case that one camp's view is better or more proper than the other, but the first camp's definition of the relationship between analogy, metaphor, and simile is more common—if only because it's not as rigid as the second camp's definition. That said, you only need to know that there are these competing definitions, and then be able to say why you think a given example is an analogy, simile, or metaphor based on the definition you think best fits each term.

Analogy Examples

Analogy in shakespeare's romeo and juliet.

In this example from Act 2 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet , Juliet Capulet puzzles over the main obstacle in her love for Romeo Montague: the Capulet and Montague families are rivals. She creates an analogy comparing Romeo to a rose, reasoning that just as the "sweetness" or loveliness of a rose is entirely independent of its name, the "perfection" she sees in Romeo is independent of—and not at all compromised by— his name and family:

’Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, Nor arm, nor face, nor any other part Belonging to a man. O, be some other name! What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other word would smell as sweet. So Romeo would, were he not Romeo call’d, Retain that dear perfection which he owes Without that title.

Analogy in Shakespeare's As You Like It

The melancholy character Jaques crafts the following analogy in Act 2 Scene 7 of As You Like It . In one of the most famous lines from all of Shakespeare, Jaques compares the world to stage, and each individual to an actor playing a part that changes with age.

All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages. At first, the infant, Mewling and puking in the nurse's arms. Then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel And shining morning face, creeping like snail Unwillingly to school. And then the lover, Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad Made to his mistress' eyebrow. Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the cannon's mouth...

Jaques concludes his speech by describing the remaining three "parts" or "seven ages": those of the Just Leader, The Silly Old Man who thinks he's still young, and the Truly Old Man who's as helpless as a baby. Using this analogy to compare "the world" to "a stage," and by extension "life" to "a play," allows Jaques to point out what he sees as a fundamental aspect of both real and theatrical experience: performance. These lines function as a particularly powerful analogy when read aloud in the theater, because they simultaneously demand that audience members confront the ways in which they're performing their own lives, remind them of their own mortality, and collapse the traditional boundary between actors on the stage and the audience watching them.

Analogy in Robert M. Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

In Chapter 26 of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance , the narrator attempts to describe his philosophical world view by drawing an analogy between knowledge and a train.

The narrator's concept of "Quality" refers to a holistic, balanced manner of existing in the world. The narrator believes that in modern life, we often fail to achieve Quality because we create an artificial distinction between an artistic, "Romantic" way of living life—being "in the moment," not stopping to analyze or reflect on things—and a scientific, "Classical" way of living life which involves analyzing how pragmatic things (like technology) work. Through the analogy of the Train, the narrator argues that both the Classical and Romantic modes of thought are necessary to living a balanced life in pursuit of Quality:

In my mind now is an image of a huge, long railroad train...In terms of the analogy, Classic Knowledge, the knowledge taught by the Church of Reason, is the engine and all the boxcars. All of them and everything that’s in them. If you subdivide the train into parts you will find no Romantic Knowledge anywhere. And unless you’re careful it’s easy to make the presumption that’s all the train there is. This isn’t because Romantic Knowledge is non-existent or even unimportant. It’s just that so far the definition of the train is static and purposeless...The real train of knowledge isn’t a static entity that can be stopped and subdivided. It’s always going somewhere. On a track called Quality...Romantic reality is the cutting edge of experience. It’s the leading edge of the train of knowledge that keeps the whole train on the track... The leading edge is where absolutely all the action is. The leading edge contains all the infinite possibilities of the future. It contains all the history of the past. Where else could they be contained?...At the leading edge there are no subjects. No objects, only the track of Quality ahead, and if you have no formal way of evaluating, no way of acknowledging this Quality, then the train has no way of knowing where to go.

Just as a train can't exist without its engine, its boxcars, or its lead locomotive, so too—the narrator argues—Quality cannot be pursued without applying both Classical and Romantic knowledge in a balanced way. This is a long and, obviously, complex example of analogy.

Analogy in Aravind Adiga's The White Tiger

The White Tiger tells the story of Balram Halwai, a self-made entrepreneur who (somewhat illegally) works his way up from the bottom rungs of the social ladder in Indian society. In Chapter 5, Balram introduces the analogy of the Rooster Coop to explain how members of the Indian elite repress the poor:

The greatest thing to come out of this country in the ten thousand years of its history is the Rooster Coop. Go to Old Delhi, behind the Jama Masjid, and look at the way they keep chickens there in the market. Hundreds of pale hens and brightly coloured roosters, stuffed tightly into wire-mesh cages, packed as tightly as worms in a belly, pecking each other and shitting on each other, jostling just for breathing space; the whole cage giving off a horrible stench – the stench of terrified, feathered flesh. On the wooden desk above this coop sits a grinning young butcher, showing off the flesh and organs of a recently chopped-up chicken, still oleaginous with a coating of dark blood. The roosters in the coop smell the blood from above. They see the organs of their brothers lying around them. They know they’re next. Yet they do not rebel. They do not try to get out of the coop. The very same thing is done with human beings in this country.

Balram uses the concrete, ordinary image of a rooster coop to explain the invisible but cruel forces constraining India's poor from making social progress. Not only does he use the rooster coop as an analog for his country, but he also uses it to justify his own behavior throughout the novel.

Why Do Writers Use Analogies?

Writers, and people in general, use analogies for a wide variety of reasons:

• To explain a new, unfamiliar concept in relatable and easy-to-understand terms.
• To help the reader make a new, insightful connection between two different entities.
• To appeal to the reader's sense of reason or logic when proving a point.

The anthropologist Mark Nichter once said (using an analogy) that "a good analogy is like a plow which can prepare a population's field of associations for the planting of a new idea." In other words, analogies pull together information and knowledge we have already stored to create novel combinations, which become the foundation for new ideas.

Other Helpful Analogy Resources

• The Wikipedia Page on Analogy: A very wide-ranging yet thorough explanation of analogy and its varied uses across disciplines.
• The Dictionary Definition of Analogy: A basic definition and etymology of the term—it comes from the Greek analogia meaning "proportion."
• Analogy in action: An interesting article from Entrepreneur Magazine entitled, "4 Leadership Lessons Learned From Orchestra Conductors."
• Analogy on Youtube: The "Ogres are like Onions" scene from Disney's Shrek .

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I. What is an Analogy?

An analogy is a literary technique in which two unrelated objects are compared for their shared qualities. Unlike a simile or a metaphor, an analogy is not a figure of speech, though the three are often quite similar. Instead, analogies are strong rhetorical devices used to make rational arguments and support ideas by showing connections and comparisons between dissimilar things.

II. Examples of Analogy

Analogies are commonly used to show important comparisons and make solid arguments. Here are some examples:

Every choice you make is like spinning the wheel of fortune—sometimes you will get the result that you desire, while other times you will end up with something you always hoped to avoid.

Raising children requires the same dedication you would give to a garden. Nurture them, feed them, introduce them to both light and dark, and have patience; and soon you will see them grow into blooming wonders.

In the first example, the writer could have said “Every choice has a different consequence.” But like similes, analogies make associations between things that wouldn’t usually be compared (like choices to wheels of fortune and children to gardens). These comparisons create better descriptions and sensory images in the minds of readers. On the other hand, analogies are more elaborate and informational than similes or metaphors , providing support for the comparisons made rather than just stating them as simple truths. As you can see, the second example explains how children and gardens have similar qualities because they require similar growing conditions.

Photosynthesis does for plants what digesting food does for animals. It is the process that lets them convert nutrients into the fuel needed to grow and develop. 

You may also see analogies that compare relationships rather than individual things. But the analogy still works in the same way; it explains how the relationships share a similar quality of transforming nutrients.

III. Types of Analogy

A. literal analogy.

In a literal analogy, you are saying that one thing really is similar to another. This is the kind of analogy that you would draw if you wanted to make an argument  or persuasion. For example, when scientists test a new medicine on laboratory mice, they are arguing that mice and humans really are similar in medically significant ways. Therefore, as the argument goes, if a medicine works on mice, it should also work on humans (or at least it’s ready for human testing).

b. Figurative Analogy

In a figurative analogy, you’re simply drawing a comparison between two unrelated things to highlight a certain characteristic; you’re not necessarily saying that the things are truly similar .  Take, for example, the wheel of fortune example. If life were truly similar to a wheel of fortune you would have a lot less control over our choices and the consequences would be unpredictable.

IV. The Importance of Analogy

As mentioned, analogies are used to make logical arguments and comparisons. Here are a few ways writers might use analogies:

a. Make abstract ideas more concrete

There are some people – like teachers, professors, and technical writers – who explain difficult ideas for a living. It’s a tough job! One way to make it easier is to draw analogies to things your readers or students are already familiar with. For example, a biology teacher might explain the immune system by saying, “What policemen do in a town, white blood cells do inside the body.”

b. Add depth and feeling to an image

Consider this example:

 She felt like a raft floating in the middle of an dark, endless ocean. Like her, the raft was was floating along, alone, worn out, and unable to reach a steady place in which to settle.

Notice what a powerful image this descriptions brings to mind. Without the analogy, the author would just be saying “She was lonely and exhausted.” How boring! The analogy makes her emotions seem dark and overwhelming – just as the ocean at night.

c. Making a persuasive argument

Obviously, this is rare in poetry and fiction, where making an argument isn’t the point. But in essays , literary analysis, and many other fields, persuasion is the name of the game – and analogy can be a powerful tool for that purpose. It’s especially useful when you want to show the flawed reasoning in another person’s argument:

Person A : Lots of history’s dictators started as soldiers; therefore, soldiers should never become politicians because they’ll end up as dictators.

Person B : But that doesn’t make sense! It’s like saying “lots of alcoholics started out by drinking milk; therefore no one should ever drink milk.” Just as there are many milk-drinkers who don’t become alcoholics, there are also many soldiers who don’t become dictators .

Notice how Person B has employed a clever analogy to show that Person A is making a faulty argument.

V. Examples of Analogy in Literature

They crowded very close about him, with their hands always on him in a careful, caressing grip, as though all the while feeling him to make sure he was there. It was like men handling a fish which is still alive and may jump back into the water. (George Orwell, A Hanging)

In this passage, Orwell is describing the crowd’s reaction to seeing a man hanged. One interpretation of the analogies is that they create a supernatural feeling by subtly suggesting the possibility that the dead man may simply disappear, or may suddenly come back to life.

What gunpowder did for war the printing press has done for the mind. (Wendell Phillips, Public Opinion on the Abolition Question)

Gunpowder revolutionized war and brought down old hierarchies and strategies – after the introduction of the gun, war would never be the same. Similarly, the invention of the printing press allowed books and newspapers to reach vast audiences that otherwise had no access to the written word. This revolutionized education and made possible an era of widespread literacy and democratic thought.

“Evolution is a blind giant who rolls a snowball down a hill. The ball is made of flakes—circumstances. They contribute to the mass without knowing it. They adhere without intention, and without foreseeing what is to result. When they see the result they marvel at the monster ball and wonder how the contriving of it came to be originally thought out and planned. Whereas there was no such planning, there was only a law: the ball once started, all the circumstances that happened to lie in its path would help to build it, in spite of themselves.” (Mark Twain, Tales of Wonder)

Here, Twain uses an analogy to speak about evolution, comparing it to a giant rolling a snowball down the hill–the results are quite unpredictable, but inevitable.

VI. Examples of Analogy in Pop Culture

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “My momma always said “life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get!” (Forrest Gump)

Here, Forrest Gump shares a very memorable analogy, beginning with the simile “life was like a box of chocolates.” But, this is an analogy because it gives further support and explanation for the comparison, showing that life has many choices and surprises, just like a box of chocolate.

Oh, he ‘loved to laugh?’ Well, that doesn’t tell you anything! That’s like saying , ‘He hungered for food! (Patton Oswald, Obituaries)

This is a humorous version of argument by analogy. Oswald, a standup comedian, is poking fun at articles about him by comparing that statement to something obviously commonplace, showing that the argument that he “loved to laugh” is about as strong as saying he gets hungry for food.

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. (Quote by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in The Leader’s Digest by Jim Clemmer, 2003)

In this quote, the groundbreaking psychiatrist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross (well-known for her 5 Stages of Grief) gives an analogy about the human condition, saying that people, like stained-glass, work differently in situations of light and dark.

VII. Related Terms

People often confuse analogies with similes and metaphors, which are both figures of speech. However, they are actually very different, specifically because an analogy is a rhetorical device, not a figure of speech. While similes and metaphors are generally quite short and simple, analogies are more elaborate and explanatory, because they support arguments.

A  figure of speech that makes comparisons using explicit “comparing” words such as like or as. So when you see like or as underlined in this article, you know it’s an example of a simile.

“What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is like the sun!”

“…It is the East, and Juliet is as radiant as the sun!”

A figure of speech where unrelated things are compared – basically, it’s just a simile with the “like” or “as” removed.

“What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!” (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet)

It’s important to remember that a metaphor is not a kind of analogy – it’s a different figure of speech altogether. However, it’s very similar to analogy in that they both depend on some kind of similarity between two different objects.

Example of an analogy versus simile and metaphor:

Simile : Life is like a garden.

Metaphor : Life is a garden.

Analogy: Life is just like a garden–it is ever growing and changing, needing care and dedication, and always filled with beautiful surprises.

Again, it’s important to remember that metaphors and similes are figures of speech, while analogies are NOT. However, they are very similar to analogies in that they both depend on some kind of similarity between two different objects.

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Writing An Analogy

TIP Sheet WRITING AN ANALOGY

An analogy is an extended comparison between two things usually thought of as unlike. Analogies illustrate and explain by moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, comparing several points, each of which has a counterpoint. For example, here is an analogy in which an engineering student explains something relatively unknown (loading a tanker) by using her knowledge of something known (filling pop bottles):

A tank truck usually holds between 4,000 and 6,000 gallons of gasoline. Depending on the tanker, three to six individual compartments hold 600 to 900 gallons of gasoline apiece. The tank that contains the compartments is elliptically shaped to distribute the pressure equally and to allow a more complete flow of air when the gasoline is delivered.

Until recently the only way to load a tanker was to climb up on top, where the openings to the compartments are located. You can easily picture this by visualizing six pop bottles lined up in single file on a table. A man wants to fill up bottle three, so he takes the cap off. He then inserts a small hose into the neck of the bottle and turns on a faucet which is connected to the hose.

A gasoline tanker is loaded in a similar way, but on a much larger scale. A man climbs on top of the tanker and opens a particular compartment by removing the cap. He then takes a hose with a four-foot metal pipe down into the "bottle" (the compartment hole), which measures four inches in diameter. A pump is then turned on, allowing the gasoline to flow into the compartment.

Know your audience In the (admittedly unlikely) event her readers had no prior knowledge of pop bottles, however, this analogy might not be particularly informative. The writer chose this analogy based on the likely knowledge of her audience. When you construct an analogy, be certain that the familiar or known side of the analogy is really familiar and known to your reader. It is useless to explain a mineral's crystal-lattice structure by reference to analytic geometry if your reader knows nothing about analytic geometry.

All of us know many things that we can use to help a reader understand an idea better. Here a geology major shows how the oil seismograph works by comparing it to shouting at a cliff wall:

The oil seismograph is a small portable electronic instrument that detects and measures artificial earthquakes. The purpose of the instrument is to find geological structures that may contain oil. The oil seismograph instrument is not mysterious because it can be compared to shouting at a cliff wall.

Imagine yourself standing near the base of a large cliff. If you shout at the cliff face, you will get an echo because the sound waves bounce back from the "interface" where air meets rock. The sound waves travel at 1,100 feet per second. You can find out how far you are standing from the cliff by measuring the time it takes for your shout to travel from you to the cliff and back again, and then by solving a simple formula for distance.

The function of the oil seismograph is to find out how far down in the earth the horizontal layers of rock are. To discover this distance, the oil seismologist digs a deep hole (usually 100-200 feet). At the bottom of the hole, he explodes a heavy charge of dynamite. Ground waves travel from the explosion down to the layers of rock. At each major interface between the layers, the waves bounce back to the surface. The explosion is similar to shouting at the cliff. Just as sound travels through the air at a certain speed, ground waves travel through the earth, although much faster. Ground waves bounce from rock interfaces as sound waves bounce from a cliff face. And the seismologist can determine distance just as you can determine the distance between you and the cliff.

Know your limits It is said that all analogies limp, that is, they are useful for illustration only as far as they remain reasonable. Therefore, do not try to stretch an analogy too far. Like the fabled camel who first put his nose in the man's tent, then his head and finally his whole body, pushing the man out of the tent, analogies can get out of control unless you know when to stop. Cut out or explain any points that cannot be logically compared.

For example, it might be a fair analogy to say that some professional athletes are treated like kings, that they receive special homage from the public and exemption from some rules, that they are more an expense and a pampered group than an asset to the community. But, except for comic effect, it would be overstatement to compare the equestrian charge of a king at an enemy with a football lineman's charge from the line of scrimmage. Likewise, it would be ridiculous to claim that modern athletes believe themselves divinely ordained to lead their country, or that professional athlete-ship is handed down from father to son by divine right. Just because certain similarities between athletes and kings exist, it doesn't follow that every kingly attribute manifests in modern-day athletes. Do not overconnect the subjects being compared.

Good analogies are vivid and logical, and while they cannot prove an argument, they can offer a picture that is very persuasive.

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• What Is an Analogy? | Definition, Meaning & Examples

What Is an Analogy? | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Published on June 24, 2024 by Kassiani Nikolopoulou, MSc .

An analogy is a comparison between two things that are typically considered unlike for the purpose of explanation or clarification. By emphasizing how two distinct entities or ideas are similar in some ways, analogies help us to comprehend unfamiliar concepts or ideas by drawing parallels with familiar ones.

Analogies are commonly used in literature, everyday language, and problem-solving.

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Table of contents

What is an analogy, analogy definition and purpose, analogy examples, analogy vs metaphor vs simile, frequently asked questions about analogies.

An analogy is composed of two elements: the target and the source .

• The target is the concept that the analogy seeks to clarify or explain. It is typically the less familiar of the two concepts being compared.
• The source is the more familiar of the two concepts. We use it as a point of reference for understanding the target by drawing parallels and highlighting similarities.

For example, in the analogy “A teacher is like a good captain,” “teacher” is the target, and “good captain” is the source. The source of the analogy provides a familiar framework for understanding the target (a teacher’s role), by highlighting their similarities.

It is important to keep in mind that when we construct an analogy we must be certain that the familiar side of the analogy or source is indeed familiar and known to our reader or audience.

An analogy , in its broadest sense, is an extended comparison of two different things in order to highlight similarities, clarify concepts, or make inferences. It usually includes an explanation of why these two things are similar.

The term “analogy” originates from the Greek word analogia , meaning proportion or ratio. “Ana” means “upon” or “according to,” while “ logos ” means “ratio” or “word.” Although it is a mathematical term in its literal meaning, for ancient Greek philosophers, “analogy” signified a persuasive explanatory device used in the realm of rhetoric and logic.

Analogical thinking plays a central role in how our brains work and how we understand the world, serving as a bridge between the known and the unknown. Depending on the context, an analogy can serve different purposes:

• In literature, analogies are used to create vivid imagery, enrich the text, and engage readers.
• In argumentation, reasoning by analogy is a form of justification. It means employing an analogy to persuade or support a conclusion. Sometimes these arguments emphasize similarities that are superficial or irrelevant to the point being made, leading to invalid conclusions. This is known as a false analogy.
• In science, analogies are used to explain abstract concepts to novices or non-experts. For example, in biology, teachers often assign a cell analogy project, where students need to explain the structure and function of cells by comparing them to a real-life object or place, such as a factory or a house.
• In law, analogies help legal professionals apply legal doctrines and precedents to new or similar cases. For example, if a court rules an act as “reckless endangerment” in a motor vehicle case, a legal professional can use it as an analogy to argue the same for a similar act involving a bicycle.

Regardless of the context, the underlying cognitive process is the same: we transfer knowledge from a familiar domain or concept to an abstract or unfamiliar one.

In the following passage from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2), Juliet compares Romeo to a rose, arguing that his family name does not define who he truly is.

Just like the name “rose” does not mean anything, and the flower still smells the same regardless of what we call it, Romeo’s name (that of a rival family) does not define him.

In this excerpt, Mark Twain uses an analogy to illustrate the complexity of the evolutionary process.

Analogies , metaphors , and similes express comparisons and highlight similarities, but they do so in different ways.

• A metaphor is an implicit comparison. When we say to a friend that “Life is a rollercoaster,” it is up to them to connect the dots and figure out what are the similarities between life and rollercoasters. Additionally, our friend understands that we are using a figure of speech that requires interpretation of figurative language and is not meant to be taken literally.
• A simile is an explicit comparison that uses the word “like” or “as.” For example, the sentence “Life is like a roller coaster” is a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that highlights a specific similarity between two things to create imagery or emphasize a particular quality.
• Unlike metaphors or similes , an analogy is a more elaborate comparison that is typically longer than a sentence. This is because analogies typically include more details about the similarities between the two things compared. Also, an analogy is a type of argument, not a figure of speech.

In short, an analogy takes a metaphor or a simile and expands on it to help explain an idea or concept.

“Life is like a box of chocolates” is a simile.

Some common synonyms for “ analogy ” are “similarity,” “likeness,” “resemblance,” “comparison,” and “correspondence.” These terms are often used interchangeably with “analogy” to describe the process of drawing parallels or comparisons between different things or concepts.

Quickly and easily rewrite sentences using QuillBot’s  sentence rewriter .

Reasoning by analogy (also known as analogical reasoning or argument from analogy) is a type of argument that is based on the idea that if two or more things are similar in some respects, they are probably similar in some further respect. The conclusion drawn from this type of reasoning is less certain than, for instance, deductive reasoning because its truthfulness is entirely dependent on the strength and accuracy of the analogies drawn.

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Kassiani Nikolopoulou, MSc

Definition of Analogy

Common examples of analogy, famous examples of analogy, examples of analogy by thomas carlyle, difference between analogy, metaphor, and simile, writing analogy, types of analogy: literal and figurative, types of analogy in writing, use of analogy in sentences, examples of analogy in literature, example 1: there is no frigate like a book by emily dickinson.

There is No Frigate like a Book To take us Lands away Nor any Coursers like a Page Of prancing Poetry – This Traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of Toll – How frugal is the Chariot That bears the Human Soul –

Example 2: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night by Dylan Thomas

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Example 3: A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers by Henry David Thoreau

This world is but a canvas to our imaginations.

Synonyms of Analogy

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11.1 Developing Your Sense of Logic

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify key rhetorical concepts and thought patterns in a variety of texts.
• Explain how patterns of thought function for different audiences, purposes, and situations.

For the purposes of this course, logic means “reasoning based on thought and evidence.” In practical terms, logic is the ability to analyze and evaluate persuasive or argument writing for effectiveness. By extension, it also means that you can learn to use logic in your own argumentative writing. Like any other new skill, you are likely to learn best when you have a starting point. Here are some suggestions for how to begin thinking and writing logically:

• Approach a topic with an open mind.
• Consider what you already know about the topic.
• Consider what you want to know about the topic.
• Find credible information about the topic.
• Base your judgments of the topic on sound reasoning and evidence.

Once you have formed your opinions on a particular debatable subject, you must decide on the best way to organize them to share with others. Developing your skills in six widely used reasoning strategies , or patterns for thinking and writing, can help you determine the most logical and effective means of organizing information to make your points.

In this chapter, you will examine these six reasoning strategies—analogy, cause and effect, classification and division, comparison and contrast, problem and solution, and definition—that are often used in college classes. In addition, you will consider how writers’ personal views, cultural backgrounds, and purposes for writing help determine

• which reasoning strategy suits their needs; and
• what they decide to include in their writing.

As you progress in your college classes and beyond, you will find these reasoning strategies used in all genres of writing, both nonfiction (e.g., textbooks, how-to books) and fiction (e.g., novels, short stories). Understanding how these strategies work can help you recognize their common formats and analyze what you read; likewise, as a writer, understanding how these strategies work to reflect your thinking can help you determine the strategy you need to use.

Writers frequently use analogy as a strategy to compare two unlike subjects—one subject is familiar to readers, whereas the other is not. To explain or clarify the unfamiliar subject, the writer emphasizes the way or ways in which the two subjects are similar, even though they are dissimilar and unrelated in all other ways. Analogies are basically long forms of similes (short comparisons of unlike elements, based on the word like or as ) or metaphors (short comparisons without signal words). In the example paragraph, the writer explains unfamiliar aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic by comparing it with the more familiar concept of a robbery spree.

Model Paragraph

student sample text Examining COVID-19 is like examining a robbery case in this way: both require a great deal of investigation. Those investigating the causes behind the pandemic look for the history of how the virus spread, and those investigating a crime look for the backstory that might connect the victims and criminals. In addition, the two groups of investigators look at the reasons behind the focus of their study. Medical investigators look at why the virus spread throughout the world; police investigators look at why the crime spree took place in a particular area. Also, both types of investigators are trying to stop whatever or whoever is the focus of their investigation. Medical investigators want to stop the virus; police investigators want to stop the crimes. end student sample text

Cause and Effect

Cause-and-effect writing identifies and examines the reasons (causes) for and consequences (effects) of an action, event, or idea. Cause-and-effect writing often answers the question “Why?” and helps readers understand the connections between what happens because of—or as a result of—something else.

student sample text Ray’s grocery, Artie’s Hardware store, and Cradle and Teen department store all went out of business because a well-known superstore opened in Springdale. Customers who frequented Ray’s, an establishment that had been run by the same family for four generations, used to drive many miles to take advantage of the high quality of items in the meat and deli departments. After the opening of the superstore, however, those same customers found they could get similar items at a savings, even if the quality was not as high as the products at Ray’s. Customers at Artie’s Hardware often talked with owner Artie Shoeman about their hardware needs, but the store did not offer the same variety of items they could find in the superstore. The same was true for those who shopped at Cradle and Teen. The superstore featured lower prices and more variety, even if the items did not match the quality of the items at Cradle and Teen. end student sample text

Classification and Division

Classification and division are actually two closely related strategies, generally discussed together because of their similarity. When using the strategy of division, the writer identifies a single subject or group and explains categories within that subject or group. In other words, the writer divides the larger unit into component parts. When using the strategy of classification, writers do the opposite. They group various elements and place them into larger, more comprehensive categories rather than divide the whole into parts. In general, the reasoning strategy of classification and division looks at smaller elements as parts of a larger element and thus helps readers understand a general concept and the elements that it comprises.

Model Paragraphs

student sample text Extra material in the textbook can be divided into photographs, quotations, and tables. The photographs were all taken by the author and focus on various parts of the life cycle of the plants highlighted in the chapter. In addition, to add color and more information about the subject matter of each chapter, the author has inserted sidebar quotations from both famous and non-famous people. The tables the author has included help readers see more details about the progression of the plants’ spread across the country. end student sample text

student sample text After three months of training, the young dogs were placed into three categories: those who would go directly to permanent homes, those who would repeat the course, and those who would advance to the next level. The dogs that would be homed immediately were those who were far too social or far too active to be service dogs. The dogs that would repeat the course had possibilities as service dogs but needed more discipline and instruction. Their futures were yet to be decided. Those that advanced to the next level were obedient and focused and learned quickly. They displayed great promise as service dogs. end student sample text

Comparison and Contrast

Compare and contrast , one of the most frequently used reasoning strategies, analyzes two (sometimes more) subjects, examining the similarities (comparisons) and differences (contrasts) between them. Nearly everything you can think of can be a subject for comparison and contrast: objects, people, concepts, places, movies, literature, and styles, to name a few. To elaborate on the separate points, writers provide details about each element being compared or contrasted. Comparison and contrast helps readers analyze and evaluate subjects.

This strategy is helpful when the similarities or differences are not obvious and when a significant common thread exists between the subjects. For example, a contrast between an expensive, elegant restaurant and a fast-food restaurant would be useless because the differences are clearly obvious, despite the common thread—both are restaurants. However, not so obvious might be some similarities.

When subjects have no common thread or have obvious shared characteristics, any comparison or contrast makes little sense—like contrasting a fish and a shoe (no common thread) or comparing two fast-food restaurants (obvious similarities). However, a writer actually might find a common thread between a fish and a shoe (perhaps shine or texture or color), and a valid topic of contrast might be differences between the two fast-food restaurants.

student sample text Although they seem different on the surface, one way in which Romantic-period poetry and 1980s rap music are alike is the desire the writers had to create a new approach to their art. They wanted to represent simpler values that were more connected to the natural world, values to which a general audience could relate. For example, in William Wordsworth ’s “Daffodils,” the speaker can escape the depressing, industrialized urban world to find peace in nature by contemplating a field of flowers. Similarly, in the Sugarhill Gang ’s 1979 “Rapper’s Delight,” the band sings of how their beats can lift spirits and cause listeners to dance and forget their woes. However, Romantic-period poetry and 1980s rap music are different in the delivery style and form of the art; “Rapper’s Delight” is set to music, which is an integral part of the piece, but “Daffodils” is not. end student sample text

Problem and Solution

When using this reasoning strategy, writers introduce a predicament or challenging issue (the problem) and offer information about what was done or what should be done to remedy the predicament or issue (the solution). Problem-and-solution writing helps readers understand the complexities of some predicaments and the actions that can improve or eliminate them.

student sample text The issue of combating the spread of hate speech and misinformation on social media can be addressed if more social media providers improve their monitoring services. Aside from creating more algorithms that search for linked key words and phrases, social media providers should increase the number of professional monitors conducting active searches. Additionally, while many platforms such as Twitter and Facebook respond within a few days to reports of posts that violate their policies, more monitors could lessen the amount of time these posts are available. According to Facebook, inappropriate posts are investigated and removed within 24 to 48 hours (Facebook “Community Standards”). Some offenders have been reported multiple times for their platform violations, and social media sponsors should increase their monitoring of those offenders. Although such surveillance would increase the burden on the social media providers, it would help solve the growing challenge of online hate speech and misinformation. end student sample text

When using the reasoning strategy of definition , writers elaborate on the meaning of an idea, a word, or an expression, usually one that is controversial or that can be viewed in multiple ways. Beginning writers tend to think that definition writing looks only at the denotation , or dictionary definition. However, definition writing entails much more than relaying a dictionary definition. It also explains and elaborates on the connotations , the emotions and implications the topic evokes. Definition writing is especially useful for explaining and interpreting terms, ideas, or concepts that are easily or often confused or that have meanings beyond their denotations. Sometimes these meanings are personal interpretations and thus reflect a writer’s particular viewpoint. Additionally, this strategy is beneficial when writers want to explain or reinforce a term before making an argument about a larger concept.

student sample text In everyday speech, the word critical is often used to highlight negative aspects of a topic. If someone says a friend was critical of a new haircut, the implication is that the friend did not like the cut. However, when used in college classes, critical has an expanded meaning: noting both the negative and positive aspects of a topic, examining those aspects in depth, and then making decisions about the discoveries. Students directed to use critical thinking, critical reading, or critical writing should know they are expected to examine all sides of a topic fully, evaluate the validity of those sides, and then make sound judgments on the basis of their evaluation. end student sample text

In this chapter, you have learned about various reasoning strategies that you may use in academic and professional writing. Utilizing these strategies when you write can help you both evaluate and analyze text that you read and create more logical and persuasive arguments.

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How to Write an Analogy Essay

Isaiah david.

An analogy compares two unlike things to illustrate common elements of both. An analogy essay is an extended analogy, which explains one thing in considerable depth by comparing it to another. Analogy essays can be used to discuss nearly anything, as long as the writer can find a comparison that fits.

Explore this article

• Come up with an analogy
• Draw a vertical line
• Write a paragraph discussing the explainer
• Write a paragraph discussing the explained
• Discuss the differences

things needed

1 come up with an analogy.

Come up with an analogy. One half of the analogy is the thing being explained, while the other half is the explainer. For example, if you said growing up is like learning to ride a bike, you would be explaining something complex and subtle (growing up) in terms of something simple that your audience will be familiar with (riding a bike.)

2 Draw a vertical line

Draw a vertical line down the middle of a piece of paper to divide it in half. On one half, write characteristics of the explainer, and on the other half, the explained. Try to match up the characteristics. For example, training wheels might be similar to having to have lots of supervision when you are young.

3 Write a paragraph discussing the explainer

Write a paragraph discussing the explainer. Start with a statement like "Growing up is like learning to ride a bike." Then explain the stages of learning to ride a bike.

4 Write a paragraph discussing the explained

Write a paragraph discussing the explained. Start with a statement that gives an overview of what the two share. In the example above, you might say something like "Growing up also involves getting greater and greater freedom as you become more confident." Then explain the steps of the explained in a way that parallels the explainer.

5 Discuss the differences

Discuss the differences. Sometimes there is a very important aspect of the explained that doesn't match up with the explainer. For example, in the above essay you eventually completely learn to ride a bike, but you never stop growing up and learning new things. You may want to draw attention to this important distinction.

About the Author

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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“He’s as strong as an ox” and “Navigating her emotions is like walking through a maze” are examples of analogies, a common method of comparison in the English language. Analogies are not only prevalent in literature and writing but also in everyday speech, serving as an effective tool for communication. They involve comparing two different things or ideas, which helps clarify or emphasize a point. This literary term, known as an analogy, encompasses various types of comparisons, making it a key element in both formal and informal expression.

Like any other literary analysis sample device, Analogy is used in enhancing the meaning of a composition and is also used in helping the readers in creating a visual image in their minds as well as relationships goals and connections when they would read something difficult or sensitive by comparing one thing to the other. Analogies are often used in thesis , essay writing , report writing , and even in speeches .

What is an Analogy? – Definition An analogy is a comparison between two different things, intended to highlight some form of similarity. It’s a linguistic technique used to explain a new or complex idea by relating it to something familiar. Analogies are often used in teaching, writing, and speaking to make concepts easier to understand. They draw parallels that help people visualize and grasp the essence of the subjects being compared, thereby enhancing comprehension and retention.

Examples of Word Analogies

Analogies are crucial in language and thinking, comparing different concepts to enhance understanding. They are used in education to simplify complex ideas, in standardized tests to assess reasoning skills, and in job interviews to evaluate problem-solving abilities. Additionally, analogies enrich literature and daily communication. Examples like comparing pens to brushes or the sun to planets demonstrate how analogies illuminate various subjects, making them more accessible and relatable.

• Relationship in First Pair : A pen is a tool used for writing.
• Application to Second Pair : Similarly, a brush is a tool, but it is used for painting.
• The analogy connects the function of each tool with its primary action.
• Relationship in First Pair : The sun is a central part of our solar system.
• Application to Second Pair : In a broader scope, a planet is part of a galaxy, which is a larger system of celestial bodies.
• This analogy scales from a smaller celestial relationship (sun and solar system) to a larger one (planet and galaxy).
• Relationship in First Pair : A teacher is the guiding authority in a classroom.
• Application to Second Pair : Similarly, a captain is the guiding authority on a ship.
• The analogy compares the roles of authority and guidance in different settings.
• Relationship in First Pair : A clock is an instrument used to measure and indicate time.
• Application to Second Pair : In a similar vein, a thermometer is an instrument used to measure and indicate temperature.
• This analogy connects the function of measuring and indicating specific elements (time and temperature) with their respective instruments.
• Relationship in First Pair : A book is an individual item that is part of a collection in a library.
• Application to Second Pair : Similarly, a piece of art is an individual item that forms part of a collection in a gallery.
• The analogy shows the relationship of individual items (books, art) as components of larger collections (library, gallery).
• Leaf : Tree :: Wave : Ocean It compares the part-to-whole relationship of a leaf to a tree and a wave to an ocean.
• Author : Novel :: Composer : Symphony This analogy highlights the relationship between an author and their creation, a novel, to a composer and their creation, a symphony.
• Doctor : Hospital :: Teacher : School It parallels the role of a doctor in a hospital to that of a teacher in a school.
• Key : Piano :: String : Guitar This analogy compares the function of a key on a piano to a string on a guitar.
• Nurse : Healthcare :: Lawyer : Law Here, the analogy shows the relationship of a nurse to the field of healthcare and a lawyer to the field of law.

More Analogy Examples for You to Solve

• Owl : Night :: Eagle : _______ (Hint: Consider the time of day each bird is most active.)
• Library : Books :: Museum : _______ (Hint: Think about what a museum houses.)
• Novelist : Words :: Painter : _______ (Hint: Focus on the primary medium used by each artist.)
• Teacher : Educate :: Chef : _______ (Hint: What is the primary action a chef performs?)
• Fish : School :: Wolf : _______ (Hint: Consider the term for a group of these animals.)
• Piano : Music :: Telescope : _______ (Hint: What does a telescope help us explore?)
• Rain : Cloud :: Lava : _______ (Hint: Where does lava originate?)
• Heart : Circulate :: Lungs : _______ (Hint: Think about the primary function of lungs.)
• Leaf : Photosynthesis :: Root : _______ (Hint: Consider the main function of roots in a plant.)
• Baker : Bakery :: Librarian : _______ (Hint: Where does a librarian work?)
• Clock : Time :: Scale : _______
• Ocean : Saltwater :: Lake : _______
• Flower : Garden :: Book : _______
• Knife : Cut :: Screwdriver : _______
• Fire : Heat :: Snow : _______
• Poet : Poem :: Musician : _______
• Bird : Nest :: Bee : _______
• Tree : Oxygen :: Sun : _______
• Actor : Stage :: Athlete : _______
• Shoe : Foot :: Glove : _______
• Phone : Call :: Computer : _______
• Rain : Umbrella :: Sun : _______
• Leaf : Green :: Sky : _______
• Baker : Bread :: Winemaker : _______
• Painter : Portrait :: Writer : _______
• Doctor : Patient :: Teacher : _______
• Fisherman : Fish :: Miner : _______
• Keyboard : Type :: Mouse : _______
• Car : Garage :: Airplane : _______
• Map : Location :: Calendar : _______

Examples of Analogies for Critical Thinking

• Just as a garden is a space where flowers grow and flourish, the mind is a space where ideas are cultivated and developed. This analogy emphasizes the nurturing and growth aspects in both scenarios.
• A book opens the door to knowledge, much like a key unlocks a door. This analogy highlights the unlocking and revealing nature of a book, providing access to new information and understanding.
• A telescope enables us to see distant stars, while a microscope allows us to view tiny bacteria. This analogy draws a parallel between the tools we use to explore vastly different scales of our universe, from the vast to the microscopic.
• Just as a foundation provides stability and support for a building, roots offer support and nourishment to a tree. This analogy compares the underlying support structures in architecture and nature.
• In poetry, words are woven together to create emotional and intellectual art, just as colors are blended in a painting to create a visual masterpiece. This analogy compares the elements of creation in different forms of art.
• A chef uses a recipe to create a dish, just like a composer uses a musical score to create a symphony.
• An author crafts stories with a pen as a sculptor shapes sculptures with a chisel.
• Fire is a source of warmth, as ice is a source of coolness.
• A clock measures time like a thermometer measures temperature.
• Trees produce oxygen, and clouds produce rain.

More Examples for you to Solve:

• Helmet : Head :: Gloves : _______ (Hint: Consider what gloves protect.)
• Sponge : Absorb :: Sieve : _______ (Hint: Think about what a sieve does with liquids.)
• Caterpillar : Butterfly :: Tadpole : _______ (Hint: Consider the lifecycle transformation.)
• Magnet : Attract :: Repellent : _______ (Hint: Think of the opposite action of attracting.)
• Flashlight : Darkness :: Air Conditioner : _______ (Hint: What does an air conditioner alleviate?)
• Furnace : Heat :: Refrigerator : _______ (Hint: Think about what a refrigerator preserves.)
• Anchor : Ship :: Brakes : _______ (Hint: Consider what brakes do to a vehicle.)
• Recipe : Dish :: Blueprint : _______ (Hint: What is created using a blueprint?)
• Vaccine : Disease :: Fertilizer : _______ (Hint: Think about what fertilizer promotes.)
• Lighthouse : Ships :: Traffic Light : _______ (Hint: Consider what traffic lights guide.)
• Archive : Documents :: Museum : _______
• Rudder : Direction :: Engine : _______
• Thermometer : Temperature :: Barometer : _______
• Author : Story :: Composer : _______
• Nest : Bird :: Den : _______
• Broom : Sweep :: Hose : _______
• Window : Light :: Dam : _______
• Dew : Morning :: Frost : _______
• Key : Lock :: Code : _______
• Easel : Painter :: Anvil : _______

Analogy Examples in Sentence

• Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get. This analogy compares the unpredictability of life with the surprise of picking a chocolate from an assorted box.
• The heart of a car is its engine. This draws a parallel between the essential role of the heart in the human body and the engine in a vehicle.
• A good book is a magic gateway into another world. Here, the transformative power of reading is likened to a portal leading to new, undiscovered realms.
• The classroom was a zoo. This analogy suggests the noisy and chaotic nature of the classroom, similar to the lively environment of a zoo.
• Her eyes were windows to her soul. This sentence compares eyes to windows, implying that they reveal deep emotions or the essence of a person.
• Time is a thief. This analogy implies that time steals moments from our lives, much like a thief takes away possessions.
• The computer in the modern age is like a pen in the past. This draws a comparison between the role of computers today in communication and creation, and the role of the pen in earlier times.
• The moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas. This vividly portrays the moon as a ghostly ship sailing across the sky, with clouds as its sea.
• The world is a stage, and we are merely players. This famous analogy from Shakespeare suggests that life is like a play, and everyone has a role to perform.
• Watching the show was like walking through a dream. This suggests the surreal, dream-like quality of the show, likened to the experience of walking through a dream.

Examples of Analogy in Literature

Analogy is a common literary device used by authors to draw comparisons between two different things, often to highlight a particular theme or idea. Here are some examples of analogy in literature:

• This famous analogy compares the world to a stage and life to a play, suggesting that our lives are structured like a theatrical performance, with different roles and acts.
• Orwell uses farm animals to represent historical figures and social classes, drawing parallels between the farm’s descent into tyranny and the history of Soviet communism.
• Here, the prejudice and racism in Maycomb are compared to a disease, suggesting they are both harmful and spread uncontrollably.
• The diverging paths symbolize life’s different options and directions, and the choice of path represents a decision that shapes one’s future.
• In this analogy, experiences are likened to physical parts of a person, suggesting that they become integral to one’s identity.

Types of Analogy

• Literal Analogy : Compares two similar things or classes of things that have the same relationship. For example, “Just as a sword is the weapon of a warrior, a pen is the weapon of a writer.”
• Figurative Analogy : Involves a comparison between two things that are different in nature, often used to explain a concept or to persuade. For instance, comparing the mind to a computer.
• Relational Analogy : Focuses on the relationship between pairs of words. For example, “Hand is to glove as foot is to sock.” The relationship is about things that cover.
• Personal Analogy : Requires imagining oneself as an object or a situation. It’s often used in problem-solving to look at things from a different perspective.
• Predictive Analogy : Used to predict the outcome of some actions by comparing it to known outcomes in similar scenarios. For example, “If you overwater a plant, it dies; similarly, too much of anything, even a good thing, can be harmful.”
• Analogical Argument : Used in persuasive writing and speech, where an analogy is used as an argument or as a part of an argument.
• Negative Analogy : Focuses on comparing dissimilarities between two things. For example, “Arguing on the internet is unlike a sports competition; there are no clear winners.”
• Medical Analogy : Common in medical fields, where symptoms or conditions of a patient are compared to typical cases to diagnose or treat.
• Historical Analogy : Draws a comparison between historical events to explain or predict current events. For example, comparing modern political situations to historical ones.
• Mathematical Analogy : Involves comparing mathematical relationships, often used in teaching complex mathematical concepts.

How to Write an Analogy

• Identify the Core Idea or Concept : Begin by determining the main idea or concept you want to explain or enhance through the analogy.
• Find a Relatable Comparison : Choose a familiar or easily understandable object, situation, or concept that shares similarities or relationships with your core idea.
• Establish a Clear Relationship : Ensure that the relationship between the two entities in your analogy is clear and logical. The comparison should highlight the similarities or explain the concept effectively.
• Use Simple and Effective Language : The effectiveness of an analogy often lies in its simplicity. Use language that is easy to understand and avoids complexity.
• Be Consistent : Maintain consistency in the elements of your analogy. Mixing different metaphors or comparisons can lead to confusion.
• Test Your Analogy : Before finalizing, test your analogy to see if it makes the concept clearer and is understandable to your intended audience.

When to Use Analogy

• To Simplify Complex Ideas : Analogies are excellent for breaking down complex or abstract concepts into simpler, more relatable terms.
• In Teaching and Education : They are used to explain new or difficult subjects by relating them to something familiar to the students.
• To Persuade or Argue : In rhetoric and writing, analogies can make arguments more persuasive by drawing parallels that the audience can easily understand.
• To Enhance Writing : Writers often use analogies to add depth, creativity, and imagery to their writing, making it more engaging and vivid.
• In Problem-Solving : Analogies can help in seeing problems from a new perspective, leading to innovative solutions.

How Does Analogy Work

• By Establishing Relationships : Analogies work by drawing a parallel between two disparate entities, emphasizing their similarities in relation to each other.
• Through Familiarity and Understanding : They often use familiar concepts to explain unfamiliar ones, making new or complex information more digestible and easier to grasp.
• Creating Mental Images : Good analogies create vivid mental images, which can be more effective in communication than abstract concepts.
• Enhancing Memory and Retention : Because they often involve storytelling or imagery, analogies can be more memorable than straightforward explanations, aiding in better retention of the information.
• Building on Prior Knowledge : Analogies leverage the audience’s existing knowledge or experience, providing a foundation for understanding new information.

Analogies, when used effectively, can be powerful tools for communication, learning, and creativity, bridging gaps in understanding by connecting the unknown to the

25 Examples of Analogies

1. life is like a race.

2. Finding a Good Man is Like Finding a Needle in a Haystack

3. Just as a Sword is the Weapon of a Warrior, a Pen is the Weapon of a Writer

4. That’s as Useful as Rearranging Deck Chairs on the Titanic.

5. How a Doctor Diagnoses Diseases are Like How a Detective Investigates Crimes

6. Explaining a Joke is Like Dissecting a Frog

7. Just as a Caterpillar Comes out of its Cocoon, So we Must Come out of our Comfort Zone

8. A Movie is a Roller Coaster Ride of Emotions.

9. You are as Annoying as Nails on a Chalkboard.

10. Life is Like a Box of Chocolates – You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get!

11. Reasoning Analogy

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12. Analogy as the Core of Cognition

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13. Analogy by Similarity Example

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14. Semantic Analogy Example

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15. Teaching by Analogy Example

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16. Animal Analogies Example

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17. The Principle of Analogy

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18. Analogy as Exploration

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19. Science Analogy Example

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20. Practice Analogy Questions

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21. The Reaction Against Analogy

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22. Transformational Analogy Example

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23. Curve Analogies Template

24. Analogy and Transfer

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25. Analogy in Thinking Example

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What is an Analogy?

A  figurative analogy is used when you compare two completely different ideas or things and use its similarities to give an explanation of things that are hard to understand or are too sensitive. Analogies are often used in thesis , essay writing , report writing , and even in speeches .

Step 1: Identify the Two or More Things You Want to Compare

To start is to identify two or more words or phrases you may want to compare. This is the first step to writing your analogy. You must also be careful with the analogy you are going to be using, if your audiences are children, you can use analogy for kids . The important thing is to be able to explain the idea or the concept.

Step 2: Do Your Research on the Similarities

In order for you to explain and understand the similarities between the words or phrases that you are using for analogy, you must first do your research about it. Simply writing two words together to compare is not enough. It is also important for you to understand what these two words mean and how similar are they in order for them to be compared.

Step 3: Make the Analogies

Make or create the analogies once you have figured out the similarities of the words you have written. If you have not, go back to the second step and continue until you found them. The analogy must be in a simple sentence or a simple statement. Avoid using technical jargon that defeats the purpose of the analogy.

Step 4: Give the Explanation of the Chosen Analogies

The last step is to give out the explanation of the chosen analogies. The explanation will help give the reader the idea of what they are reading and can grasp the information from the analogies. Provided the fact that these chosen analogies details and examples to back it.

What is the difference with analogy, simile and metaphor?

More often than not, an analogy is sometimes mistaken with the other figures of  speech examples , namely  simile  and  metaphor , because these are used to seek relationships between concepts and things. The  figurative language  simile compares two objects that use comparison words such as ‘like’ and ‘as’ where the whole metaphor would compare two objects with the use of the said comparison words.

What are the elements of an analogy?

What you can expect in the elements of an analogy are as follows: the two or more concepts that need to be compared, the shared characteristics of these concepts, the differences of the concepts, the purpose, the clarification, and lastly the creativity.

What is the difference between analogy and idioms?

An analogy is a comparison of two or more things, topics or concepts that helps explain the topic. An idiom is a phrase that has a figurative language or meaning to it.

Analogy compares two completely different things and look for similarities between two things or concepts and it only focuses on that angle. The use and purpose of analogies may baffle any reader at first but once they would realize how analogies can help writers in making difficult and sensitive topics or things understandable, analogies might be used frequently.

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Enchanting Marketing

Writing advice for small business

Boring Topic? Here’s How to Inject a Dash of Fun (and Personality!)

by Henneke | 65 enchanting opinions, add yours? :)

Hannah feels stuck.

She has picked a good topic for her next blog post. She’s sure her readers will find it helpful.

But she’s soooo afraid her post will be boring that she can’t start writing. She fears her blog post will be like a bland chicken without salt, without chilies, and without any herbs or spices.

Who’d enjoy eating that?

Hannah would prefer a fiery, fragrant, smoky Jerk chicken .

She gently massages her temples to stave off an upcoming headache, and sips her Jasmine tea, almost burning her tongue. Then she decides to check out her favorite writing blog to learn how to make a boring topic interesting.

Can she inject a dose of creativity?

Analogies add pizzazz to any topic

Analogies make your blog post unique. They help shape your voice and make your writing stand out. They add fun to boring blog posts, and even help explain your topic better. What’s more, they give you an opportunity to tell stories.

The first time I used an analogy in a blog post, I was nervous. Would readers think it was weird? Would they think it was childish? Was I making a fool of myself?

I was tossing and turning at night, and woke up with knots in my stomach. But, I mustered the courage to click Publish .

In that first post featuring an analogy, I compared content marketing with tour leading . For instance:

It’s easy to think of big gestures. A big launch. Your best-ever ebook. A guest post on a major blog. But small things can make a massive difference, too. For instance: Giving 14 tourists a pair of cheap chopsticks. Buying a huge watermelon to share. Such cheap treats create a feel-good atmosphere. In a digital world it’s easy to give away stuff and build a loyal audience. What does it cost you to share your expertise? Inspire your audience. Share generously.

After that first little success, I became braver, I was finding my voice, and I introduced analogies and metaphors more often in my writing. It helped me connect with readers on more levels. People who love cooking send me emails or leave comments about their favorite food. Readers who love cycling share stories about their cycling adventures.

Analogies give readers a peek into your life, and you can draw your inspiration from many different life experiences such as parenting, gardening, travelling, or sports. Each topic gives you an opportunity to share stories outside your business expertise and to become more human in your writing.

How to use analogies in your blog posts

I’ve used two different structures for blog posts with analogies.

One structure is the circle post, where you introduce the analogy in the opening, ignore it in the main body, and then circle back in the final paragraph. For instance, in my post about writing styles , the introduction explains the concept of umami:

Have you heard of umami? It’s the 5th taste. (…) It is often translated as a savory taste; and soy sauce, steak, mushrooms, broth, and even some cheese all have umami. I used to think it was a weird idea. How can mushrooms be similar in taste as a sizzling steak? But once you learn to detect umami, you start to appreciate its tantalizing power. A good writing style has umami, too. But what is it?

And the final paragraph deepens the analogy:

Umami comes from the Japanese word umai—deliciousness. Kazu Katoh, a Japanese chef, said about umami: “It’s something that’s kind to the body. (…) It’s about feeling good after eating.” Isn’t that what we strive for as writers, too? To write something not just nutritious but also delicious to read … something that lingers in our readers’ minds—like the taste of a mature cheese or a mushroom risotto or a stir-fried beef with ginger, broccoli, and fish sauce.

The circle structure is a neat way to make your post feel finished as you reinforce and add depth to your starting point.

The second option for transforming your post is to write a series of tips, and for each tip expand the analogy. For instance, in my blog post about smooth reading experiences, I compare types of transitional phrases to bicycle maintenance tricks. The first transition trick is a drop of oil:

Just like drops of oil make your bicycle chain move without friction, transitional words make readers glide through your content.

And the last transition trick is an industrial-strength lubricant:

Bicyclists can argue for hours about the best way to keep your bike chain free from rust. Use WD-40. Use Tri-flow. Use light oil. Re-lube more often. But your content requires a mix of tricks for the smoothest reading experience. And you know the strongest lube to keep your readers hooked? That’s the use of seductive subheads.

Just like we adapt our favorite recipes to our personal tastes, analogies are personal, too. They reveal more about you as a person—what interests you and what you do outside of work.

Analogy examples

For more details, check out the full posts:

• The garden analogy in my post on making money from blogging >>
• My infamous post about tour leading and content marketing >>
• The analogy between traffic blocks for cyclists and website goofs >>
• The analogy between smooth cycling and reading experiences >>
• The unwelcoming experience in a hotel compared to the experiences of web visitors >>
• My post about umami in writing >>
• The analogy between 4 types of weak words and bland food >>
• The food stories in this post about scrumptious blogging tips >>

Dream up your own analogies

To come up with an analogy, start with giving yourself permission to have fun. Create a sense of play to look for connections between two completely different topics. To make an analogy work, compare things at the same level—a process to a process, or a thing to a thing, or a role to a role.

Boundaries can make us more creative, so consider to focus on one specific domain for your analogy, such as gardening, cooking, travelling, sports, or art. Choose a topic you know well so it’s easier to come up with similarities.

When you try too hard and focus too much, you might get tunnel vision and block your creativity. So, if you’re feeling stuck, get away from your desk or computer. Analogies often pop up in my mind when I’m out on my bike, or when walking in the woods, washing the dishes, or cooking.

Another trick is to think visually . What picture can you draw for a blog post?

Make readers crave for more

In December 2010, I cycled with my husband in Malaysia. We finished our tour in Kuala Lumpur, and we sampled barbecued chicken wings at an outdoor market. We had to go back for more.

Now, almost 10 years later, I still remember those chicken wings. We still talk about them at home. The smokiness, the spiciness, the sweetness, the stickiness. Maybe one day, I’ll go back to Kuala Lumpur, and I hope more chicken wings are waiting for me.

A good analogy can make your writing memorable, too.

Readers will start recognizing your voice, and they’ll crave hearing more.

They’ll be happy when you turn up in their inbox, eagerly clicking to read your next blog post.

Happy cooking!

More examples of creative imagery in writing:

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Reader Interactions

Leave a comment and join the conversation cancel reply.

April 2, 2021 at 8:01 pm

I have always hated writing growing up and still do. I’m now learning that writing is a very useful and underrated skill to have. I’ve found your blog to be so helpful and inspiring to start writing! I only wish I started sooner.

I’m trying to become a Board Certified Teacher and the process requires a lot of reflective and analytical writing. Do you have tips, tricks, or blog post to help? Thank you!

April 2, 2021 at 8:13 pm

I wasn’t into writing when I was growing up either. I only started writing in my early 40s, and I’ve worked with a few people in their 70s and 80s who want to improve their writing. So, don’t feel sad about not starting sooner. You’re probably ready to learn now!

Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ve written specifically about reflective and analytical writing. I usually write a post at the end of each year about what I’ve learned in the year but I’ve not written about the process for doing that and I’m not sure it’s the kind of writing that’s expected for a certification. I’m more focused on how to write to promote a business but the tips often work for lots of different types of writing.

December 21, 2020 at 7:20 am

I just started volunteering as a blog writer and although they have been happy with my blog posts, I’ve been feeling like they fall flat and I can’t find my unique voice. I’m so happy I discovered this site! I think this information will really help me out and inspire me. I couldn’t be more amazed and grateful, this information was just what I needed.

Do you have any advice about ways to stay creative or be inspired? I feel like when I was younger I was oozing with creativity, especially in my writing. But now it seems like such a struggle…I don’t know where or when that part of me dwindled or why.

December 21, 2020 at 1:40 pm

Your creativity is still there; it can just take some time to reconnect. So, be gentle with yourself. Also, consider what resources can spark your creativity. Part of creativity is turning it back into a habit; and part of it is ensuring that we have the right input to be creative (problems with creative output are often input problems). You may find this infographic I made useful: https://www.enchantingmarketing.com/creative-habits/

Happy writing!

December 10, 2020 at 9:38 pm

This has got to be the best thing I stumbled upon all day.

I know I initiate a great conversation with my blog posts but this is on a whole new level.

To think the new year is upon us? I’ve got to refine my writing style and see how my audience gets hooked the more.

Thanks for this fresh air!

December 11, 2020 at 9:54 am

Thank you, Noble. I’m glad you enjoyed this. Happy writing!

October 4, 2020 at 1:24 pm

I never thought about incorporating analogies into my writing but after reading your post I can see how it makes the writing come much more alive

October 4, 2020 at 4:40 pm

I hope you’ll have fun with using metaphors, too. Happy writing, Jennifer! And thank you for stopping by.

October 3, 2020 at 10:19 am

The drop of oil on your bicycle chain feels way more effective since I need to use oil all the time to keep my antique sock knitting machine running 😉 Funny how that works.

You do have a preference for food analogies, don’t you? I don’t care much for food – at least I am not a foodie – so I never think of those.

Interesting how your own preferences play a role in anything you write.

October 4, 2020 at 4:39 pm

Funny that drops of oil keep your sock knitting machine running, too. Never knew there were similarities between sock knitting and cycling 😉

And yes, I love food metaphors best. But I try not to overdo it because I know not everyone is into food.

September 26, 2020 at 11:20 am

Hahaha.. Really very interesting topic Henneke. ya precisely not all blogs are engaging and interesting but mostly helpful. For the boring topics we can read it joyfully in our own way. By singing, By making lyrics of the song or something else what u enjoy mostly. Loved this blog. Thanks for submitting this.

September 26, 2020 at 12:53 pm

But why put the onus on the reader to make the reading experience interesting by singing a text? If writers can do their best to make an article more interesting to read, surely more people will read it?

September 30, 2020 at 4:56 am

Sounds good Henneke. Well said the writers have to make the articles more interesting for the users. I am just saying that if someone get boring to read then they can, if they comfortable to read by singing a text. Instead, the readers move on to the other articles.

September 23, 2020 at 10:09 am

I read every single word of this post. You had me hooked. I love analogies too, but I never use it in works I publish online. But I’ll change that after reading this article. Thank you Henneke

September 23, 2020 at 2:27 pm

Thank you for your compliment (and for stopping by), Nathan. Happy writing!

September 22, 2020 at 8:53 am

I used to think that a well-optimized article for SEO must be as simple as possible. That I should write with the vocabulary of a 7th-grade kid. That I shouldn’t inject anything I personally find funny. That I shouldn’t use analogy and metaphor. But wow, your words right here is literally my epiphany. Thanks a lot 😍

September 22, 2020 at 9:15 am

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Alice. 🙂

Even Google wants us to write for our readers and to get them to dwell on our page and read from the first to the last word. I’ve not seen any negative impact from using metaphors and analogies in my writing (but I’ve not tested in any way). This site gets quite a lot of organic search traffic.

September 18, 2020 at 7:27 am

Sometimes I stagger but this is a push. And I’m going to have a hike. Thank you.

September 18, 2020 at 5:12 pm

Happy writing, Enock! Thank you for stopping by.

September 11, 2020 at 1:23 am

Wow! Great Post, Henneke. It’s like you just called the life out of me. I’m a Freelance Writer, yes, I write in tones specified in clients’ description.

So, getting serious with my personal blog has been the most difficult of tasks because “I write the way everyone else does.”

But this is a wake-up call to friggin’ enjoy my writing process. To have fun, ooze fun and make my audience crave more.

Thanks again, Henneke

September 11, 2020 at 6:26 pm

Yes, please enjoy writing for your own blog. That’s where you can connect to your creative soul and experiment, and have fun.

September 10, 2020 at 7:05 am

Those are great ideas to come up with analogies!

What I like to personally do is have Google Keep on my phone and use the voice function whenever an idea comes up so I can potentially use it in the future.

You never know when the ideas pop so you might as well be ready at all times!

September 10, 2020 at 1:34 pm

That’s a great idea! I often ride my bike without a phone at hand so I’ve somehow figured out how to imprint ideas in my brain so I don’t forget.

September 10, 2020 at 2:48 am

Thanks for your blogs Henneke. Not only are they inspiring and fun, this one has heaps of new ideas for me 🙂

That’s great. Happy writing, Chris! 🙂

September 9, 2020 at 2:48 pm

analogy seems great.nice article I have tried it and yes it makes reading fun. I do say that your step by step guidance and your unique ways of teaching have been quite helpful. Thank you and keep up the good work.

September 9, 2020 at 4:46 pm

Thank you, Evans. I’m glad you’re enjoying my writing.

September 9, 2020 at 5:07 am

Hi Henneke, Posting my first comment after years of reading, enjoying and learning from your writing tips that you so generously share.

What triggered this comment is your idea of a circle structure for using an analogy. It gave a name to what I instinctively used yesterday, not for a blog post, but for a presentation at a Zoom webinar on adult learning. I started with the metaphor chosen by the host from a previous talk I had given “helping fish learn to fly,” then picked it up at the end with the idea of adult learning partnerships of “birds that have learned to swim and fish that have learned to fly.”

Again, thank you for your generous sharing of your ideas and experiences.

September 9, 2020 at 9:45 am

Thanks so much for sharing your experience of the circle technique in a webinar. That sounds good! There are so many similarities between good blogging and public speaking.

Also, thank you for continuing to read my blog for so many years. Your comment put a smile on my face 🙂

September 8, 2020 at 9:29 pm

You know, I loved your umami post. It was so bewitching. You seem to have a talent for presenting your words, though. That’s why I follow you. I want to be you, actually…..

September 9, 2020 at 9:47 am

I feel like I should pass the compliments on the Raymond Chandler as the quotes from his books helped me so much to write the umami post.

Thank you for stopping by again, Maria. I hope you’re keeping well and safe.

September 8, 2020 at 7:42 pm

Brilliant, as always. When I used to do IT work, I often made analogies to help people understand complex concepts. They’re great for helping people relate to challenging topics too 🙂 I also love metaphors. The nature of reality itself often appears as an overwhelming expanse of metaphors. Thanks Henneke!

September 8, 2020 at 8:46 pm

Yes, that’s so true—analogies are great for explaining complex (and abstract) topics.

Thank you for stopping by Robert. I’m glad you enjoyed this.

September 8, 2020 at 6:28 pm

this was great! I’ve used anologies and metaphors forever, but not in the sophisticated integrated ways you have laid out here. Thank You!

September 8, 2020 at 6:30 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Nancy. Happy writing! 🙂

September 8, 2020 at 5:52 pm

Wow Henneke. Great article! Thanks for sharing. I’m about to start doing a lot of content marketing and this will come in handy big time! Thanks, Jim

September 8, 2020 at 6:29 pm

Thank you, Tim. Happy writing!

September 8, 2020 at 4:03 pm

You “knocked another one out of the park,” Henneke! I don’t know how you do it, but it sure is a joy to see another one of your notes in my inbox.

When I grow up (I’m pushing 84), I wanna be just like you 🙂

Maybe if I took up biking through Kuala Lumpur, or rolling spicy meatballs in the palm of my hand . . .

I’m grateful for all young readers like you. I know of a few 80-plus readers and there are undoubtedly a few more that I don’t know.

When I grow up (if I must), can I be Henrietta? 🙂

September 8, 2020 at 3:08 pm

“Readers will start recognizing your voice, and they’ll crave hearing more.” That has actually happened to me! I wrote an anonymous essay and a friend congratulated me on it! She knew it was me, haha! So thankful you provided link #5, above, as I was thinking about it the whole time I was reading and wishing I could return to read it again. It’s one of my many favorites. 🙂 Revamping my site, again, as always. There is always room for improvement. Always.

September 8, 2020 at 3:14 pm

“I wrote an anonymous essay and a friend congratulated me on it! She knew it was me, haha!” That’s fabulous. Congrats!

When I was compiling the short list of analogy examples, I was thinking of you when I added #5 about the hotel experience because I remember you mentioned before that that was your favorite and after reading that you started following me.

I’m grateful that you’re still reading my blog. Thank you for all your support. 💕

September 8, 2020 at 5:39 pm

That was way back when. I’m grateful you are still writing! May I learn to extend a metaphor like you, someday! 🙂

I bet you can do that already! 🙂

September 8, 2020 at 2:35 pm

Henneke, This is brilliant and immensely helpful. In every one of your articles you make magic and unlock my creativity. Thank you. You have several Kindle books in the oven. I have a collection of your articles.

September 8, 2020 at 3:17 pm

One day I’ll turn my attention to books again! I know there’s so much material in my blog and people have asked me for books so often. It’s tricky to get everything done while working only two hours a day. Do you have a specific book in mind that you’d like me to publish?

I appreciate your comment and encouragement, Shirley. Thank you.

September 8, 2020 at 2:10 pm

I’ve been reading your newsletters for ages. Really missed them when you had a break. This last one was so clever. I enjoy how you teach on many levels through concrete examples. When’s the book coming out?

September 8, 2020 at 3:02 pm

Thanks so much for your compliment, Paul. Which book would you like to read? (that’s a serious question. I’d love to know.)

September 8, 2020 at 1:35 pm

What’s the limit? How deep can you go on your story? Making your readers live the situation you are describing would be negative for the message you’re trying to communicate? I mean not in the amount of words used, but in the weight they have to make a lived experience for the readers.

September 8, 2020 at 3:01 pm

In writing there’s always a balance between vividness (which requires more details) and pace (which means keeping your writing concise). Where the balance exactly falls is partly a matter of personal preference, partly a matter of experience.

I follow my gut instinct. For instance, the original version of this post was longer as I had included two extra examples but it felt that these two examples didn’t help explain the topic better and slowed down the pace too much. So I took them out (and added the short list of examples in case people wanted to see more). By reading a lot and noticing when I find analogies distracting or unwieldy, I’ve been learning to find the right balance (for me).

September 8, 2020 at 8:48 pm

That makes sense.

Thank you for your reply.

September 8, 2020 at 1:31 pm

Great tips, Henneke! I especially like the idea of ​​drawing (childish style). It helps to say goodbye to getting stuck.

September 8, 2020 at 2:56 pm

Drawing is such a super-power! I agree 🙂

September 8, 2020 at 1:07 pm

Hi Henneke, lovely to be reading your scrummy-fresh posts again!

” a taste of…stir-fried beef with ginger, broccoli, and fish sauce”

I think we have the same taste in this instance 😬— delicious!

Can you give an insight into how carefully you plan an analogy, please? For instance, how did you come up with the tour leader article… did you have the story in mind and then think about the parallels with content marketing? OR did you have the content marketing mistakes in mind and then revers-engineer them into the story?

I am interested in the process of matching a story e.g. your guiding story to a topic… because that is what trips me up most of the time.

It’s good to see you again, Alison. I hope you’re keeping well and safe. 💕

I don’t think there’s one way to create your analogy. If I remember correctly (it’s been a while) with the tour leader article, I came up with the tour leader stories first and then connected them to content marketing tips. However, with the post on scrumptious blog writing tips, I worked the opposite way. I knew the blogging tips I wanted to share, and then tried to find food stories to match.

It can help to give yourself permission to let go of perfectionism. Firstly, you can use only the tips that work for the analogy (rather than give a complete list of tips). Secondly, your analogy doesn’t need to be perfect. For instance, in the blog post about transitions, I don’t relate each trick to a bicycle maintenance tip. Most readers won’t even notice that. Thirdly, sometimes you can simply indicate when the analogy goes wonky. For instance, if you’d write an analogy about the cooking & writing process. With the cooking process you must always follow a specific sequence, you chop the onions before you fry them. In writing, you have some more leeway—you can outline and then write a draft or you can freewrite and do a reverse-outline later; you can edit while writing, or write a draft first and edit later. In cooking that wouldn’t work. You must boil the egg before you peel it.

Does that help?

September 9, 2020 at 10:10 am

Yes, thank you! That does help. I also find that it sometimes works one way (i.e. tips first) and sometimes the other (story first), but I am always interested in how other people’s brains do the work 😀.

And I find that I HAVE to write story/analogy inspirations down whenever and wherever they occur to me, because I can guarantee when I come to write, I cannot for the life of me remember the excellent idea that I had!

Thanks again. Stay well, keep writing (and cooking and cycling 🌶🚴‍♀️).

September 8, 2020 at 1:01 pm

Your writing is enchanting! I am always learning something amazing from the content you produce. Thank you, Henneke!

September 8, 2020 at 2:47 pm

Thank you so much, Bruce. Happy writing!

September 8, 2020 at 12:31 pm

Another fabulous article. Subscribing to your newsletter was one of best decisions I’ve made in business.

September 8, 2020 at 12:33 pm

That’s a big compliment. Thank you, Lee.

September 8, 2020 at 12:25 pm

As a wannabe blogger I have been going through some writers’ blogs, this piece is exactly what I needed, great piece!

September 8, 2020 at 12:32 pm

I’m glad you enjoyed it, Shayur!

September 8, 2020 at 12:20 pm

Perfect description of me, Henneke – ‘They’ll be happy when you turn up in their inbox, eagerly clicking to read your next blog post’. Reading your articles is an experience to savour, Thank you for inspiring me.

September 8, 2020 at 12:23 pm

I’m delighted you’re continuing to enjoy my writing, Poovanesh. Thanks so much for stopping by to leave a comment. 🙂

September 8, 2020 at 12:15 pm

Thanks, Heneke for educating us with new-age web content writing. Those make a lot of impact on readers than traditional web writing. Thanks for transforming our writing into a better one.

September 8, 2020 at 12:16 pm

You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed this!

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How to Write an Analogy Essay

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Article structure

Writing Your Analogy Essay

What are the main features of analogy essay, how to start writing, how to develop an outline, how to write a thesis statement for an analogy essay, how to write an introduction.

• How to write the body paragraphs: Tips on body writing

Additional tips on body writing

How to finish an analogy essay.

• Analogy essay sample

Perhaps you find it difficult to show how two ideas are parallel. However, here is the best method. Use analogy essay to compare the two unlike ideas to demonstrate a common element for both.

The main feature an analogy essay is that it does not have a logical prove anything. Instead, it uses creative skills in writing with no factual arguments. Secondly, the article has an informal or humorous technique of explaining an idea. Therefore, it does not use comparisons and contrasts or cause and effect methods of analysis. On a spate note, the paper is simple and does not use a vocabulary to explain other aspect or ideas. Elsewhere, analogy essay has two parts that include the explainer on one side and the explained on the other hand.

When starting an analogy essay, writers should come up with an analogy. The first part should be the explanation subject while the other half should be the explainer. Secondly, the student should draw a vertical line in the middle of the blank paper and note the characteristics of the explainer. Consequently, the student should elaborate on the explained then match the components. Afterwards, the author should discuss the explainer in one paragraph and then write another paragraph elaborating on the explained. The student should then discuss their differences and review the word choices, especially for denotation and connotation.

The general analogy essay has a title, an introduction, differences, resemblance and a conclusion. The title identifies two subjects, their relationships especially analogous and resemble as well as the analogy of the student. The title usually takes the format of a simile. For example, “Drug Addiction Is like a Life in Jail.”

The second part is the introduction. Here, the student brings the first subject especially the issue in question, its status and recent events on the issue. The student then ends the introduction with an analogy statement. For example, drug addiction is like life in jail due to its impacts on family, friends and the community.

Part three of analogy essay is the differences where a student elaborates minor differences by noting the comparison to the resemblances. The student then elaborates on the significant differences to build the ethos after that forties the rhetorical vulnerability.

The fourth part is the resemblance between the explainer, and the explained to illustrate the argument . The student describes the similarity on separate paragraphs in emphatic order with the most informative resemblance coming at the last paragraph. While writing this section, the student should use transitions to the thesis such as A is like B in terms of…, use transition to the differences such as despite the importance of resemblance.

Lastly, the writer should use a transition from the differences to the resemblance such as more critical, noteworthy, significant, considerable. The last part is the conclusion that repeats the analogy statement, resemblance and provides the next cause of action.

The thesis statement of analogy essay is the analogy statement. The statement should contain the subject of the essay, the purpose and the focus and subdivision of the topic in a transparent way. Thus, informs the reader on the comparison of the explainer in the form of resemblance to the explained regarding different reasons. For example, drug addiction is like life in jail due to its impacts on family, friends and the community.

The introduction brings out the first subject or issue and its status in resemblance to the second subject. Thus, the student should focus on a comparison that hooks the reader to the topic. Afterward, the student gives a brief statement follows the introductory sentence through the elaboration of a recent event, the issue at hand and the analog statement.

How to write body paragraphs: Tips on body writing

• The body paragraphs commence with the differences.
• Provide a proper explanation of the minor differences using comparisons to the resemblances.
• The writer explains the minor differences through the elaboration of the similarities to the resemblances in different paragraphs.
• The student identifies the major differences.
• Commence with the least informative resemblance to the most informative one in different paragraphs.
• Use both resemblance and differences transitions to link the paragraphs.
• Give a summary
• Repeat the analogy statement
• Repeat the resemblances
• Answer the ‘So What?’ question
• Read your written essay aloud and note the errors
• Use Grammarly software to correct spelling, wrongly constructed sentences, and plagiarism
• Give a friend the essay to read to identify the error and correct them before submission.

Analogy essay sample: Responding To Bad News

I have been to online sites since I was in my teenage years. I have received all sorts of news from entertainment, puzzle games, heartbreaking news, and bad and fake news. I have noted that bad news brings shock. But making such claims, shifting the incidence of trauma to bad news is like a smoker blaming the behavior of another person.

While both the actions are similar, they portray differences. In some incidences, smoking may not be the problem of a smoker. Thus, pens when an addict begins smoking from the second-hand cigarette smoke. The addict had no choice since he lives in the environment where there are many cigarette smokers hence it is a deplorable state that happens in most cases. Besides, cigarettes smoking is blamed on other people. In most cases, addicts blame their friends who lure them to the drugs due to peer pressure. However, the shock due to bad news comes as a result of personal behavior and love for the internet. Elsewhere, smoking involves the use of harmful substances that can be legal or illegal. Contrarily, fake news is usually legal but are everywhere on the website hence people get access to them irrespective of the age of the viewer and the place.

Despite the glaring minor differences, the two activities are similar. Both cases lead to shock hence the blames are shifted for the scapegoat of any kind. When such bring negative impacts such as shock, we should not blame others. Instead, we should blame ourselves. Thus, it is a show of irresponsibility when we shift the blame to other people or objects. No one glued your face to watch the bad news hence you got the shock. The person who posted the bad news on the internet never invited you to watch it and see the horrible images or get sad information.

Fake news and smoking have psychological impacts. In most cases, cigarette smokers get depression and dependent on the need for nicotine to make them cool. People who get shocked often get depression due to tormenting images in mind or information whenever they recall. Thus, people who love watching the fake news are prone to disturbing images or sad information. However, a thorough examination reveals that these people even get shocked when they receive fraudulent or sad information from the friends or parents. Therefore, watching the false news on the internet alone does not guarantee that the person will be shocked. Many people are addicted to the internet but do not get shocked hence there are some underlying psychological problems.

In conclusion, it is absurd to blame bad news or fake news for a shock. Besides, smokers choose to smoke cigarette and marijuana among other and get shocked while there are other causes of collapse. Therefore, I fail to understand the reason why shock is blamed on bad news. I watch the sad and fake news but I never been shocked. Thus, the present analogy can help people scrutinize the issue of shock and identify the psychological behavior underlying it rather than shift blame to the sad and fake news.

Metaphors and Analogies: How to Use Them in Your Academic Life

Certain Experiences in life can't be captured in simple words. Especially if you are a writer trying to connect with your audience, you will need special threads to evoke exact feelings.

There are many literary devices to spark the readers' imagination, and analogies and metaphors are one of that magical arsenal. They enrich your text and give it the exact depth it will need to increase your readers' heartbeat.

Taking a particular characteristic and associating it with the other not only enriches your text's linguistic quality but gives the reader a correct pathway to deeper layers of a writer's psyche.

In this article, we are going to take a good look at the difference between analogy and metaphor and how to use them in your academic writing, and you will find some of the most powerful examples for each. Learn more about this and other vital linguistic tools on our essay writer service website.

What are Metaphors: Understanding the Concept

Let's discuss the metaphors definition. Metaphors are a figure of speech that compares two unrelated concepts or ideas to create a deeper and more profound meaning. They are a powerful tool in academic writing to express abstract concepts using different analogies, which can improve the reader's understanding of complex topics. Metaphors enable writers to paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind by comparing something familiar with an abstract concept that is harder to grasp.

The following are some of the most famous metaphors and their meanings:

• The world is your oyster - the world is full of opportunities just waiting for you to grab them
• Time is money - time is a valuable commodity that must be spent wisely
• A heart of stone - someone who is emotionally cold and unfeeling

Analogies Meaning: Mastering the Essence

Analogies, on the other hand, are a comparison of two concepts or ideas that have some similarity in their features. They are used to clarify complex ideas or to make a new concept more relatable by comparing it to something that is already familiar.

Analogies are often followed by an explanation of how the two concepts are similar, which helps the reader to understand and make connections between seemingly disparate ideas. For example, in academic writing, if you were explaining the function of a cell membrane, you might use an analogy, such as comparing it to a security gate that regulates what enters and exits a building.

Check out these famous analogies examples:

• Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.
• Teaching a child without education is like building a house without a foundation.
• A good friend is like a four-leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have.

Benefits of Metaphors and Analogies in Writing

Chances are you are wondering why we use analogies and metaphors in academic writing anyway?

The reason why metaphors are beneficial to writers, especially in the academic field, is that they offer an effective approach to clarifying intricate concepts and enriching comprehension by linking them to more familiar ideas. Through the use of relatable frames of reference, these figures of speech help authors communicate complicated notions in an appealing and comprehensible way.

Additionally, analogies and metaphors are a way of artistic expression. They bring creativity and imagination to your writing, making it engaging and memorable for your readers. Beautiful words connect with readers on a deeper emotional level, allowing them to better retain and appreciate the information being presented. Such linguistic devices allow readers to open doors for imagination and create visual images in their minds, creating a more individualized experience.

However, one must be mindful not to plagiarize famous analogies and always use original ideas or appropriately cite sources when necessary. Overall, metaphors and analogies add depth and beauty to write-ups, making them memorable for years to come.

Understanding the Difference Between Analogy and Metaphor

While metaphors and analogies serve the similar purpose of clarifying otherwise complex ideas, they are not quite the same. Follow the article and learn how they differ from each other.

One way to differentiate between analogies and metaphors is through the use of 'as' and 'like.' Analogies make an explicit comparison using these words, while metaphors imply a comparison without any overt indication.

There is an obvious difference between their structure. An analogy has two parts; the primary subject, which is unfamiliar, and a secondary subject which is familiar to the reader. For example, 'Life is like a box of chocolates.' The two subjects are compared, highlighting their similarities in order to explain an entire concept.

On the other hand, a metaphor describes an object or idea by referring to something else that is not literally applicable but shares some common features. For example, 'He drowned in a sea of grief.'

The structural difference also defines the difference in their usage. Analogies are often used in academic writing where hard concepts need to be aligned with an easier and more familiar concept. This assists the reader in comprehending complex ideas more effortlessly. Metaphors, on the other hand, are more often used in creative writing or literature. They bring depth and nuance to language, allowing for abstract ideas to be communicated in a more engaging and imaginative way.

Keep reading and discover examples of metaphors and analogies in both academic and creative writing. While you are at it, our expert writers are ready to provide custom essays and papers which incorporate these literary devices in a seamless and effective way.

Using Famous Analogies Can Raise Plagiarism Concerns!

To avoid the trouble, use our online plagiarism checker and be sure that your work is original before submitting it.

Analogies and Metaphors Examples

There were a few analogies and metaphors examples mentioned along the way, but let's explore a few more to truly understand their power. Below you will find the list of metaphors and analogies, and you will never mistake one for the other again.

• Love is like a rose, beautiful but with thorns.
• The human body is like a machine, with many intricate parts working together in harmony.
• The structure of an atom is similar to a miniature solar system, with electrons orbiting around the nucleus.
• A computer's motherboard is like a city's central system, coordinating and communicating all functions.
• The brain is like a muscle that needs constant exercise to function at its best.
• Studying for exams is like training for a marathon; it requires endurance and preparation.
• Explaining a complex scientific concept is like explaining a foreign language to someone who doesn't speak it.
• A successful team is like a well-oiled machine, with each member playing a crucial role.
• Learning a new skill is like planting a seed; it requires nurturing and patience to see growth.
• Navigating through life is like sailing a ship with unpredictable currents and changing winds.
• Life is a journey with many twists and turns along the way
• The world's a stage, and we are all mere players.
• Her eyes were pools of sorrow, reflecting the pain she felt.
• Time is a thief, stealing away moments we can never recapture.
• Love is a flame, burning brightly but at risk of being extinguished.
• His words were daggers piercing through my heart.
• She had a heart of stone, unable to feel empathy or compassion.
• The city was a jungle, teeming with life and activity.
• Hope is a beacon, guiding us through the darkest of times.
• His anger was a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment.

How to Use Metaphors and Analogies in Writing: Helpful Tips

If you want your readers to have a memorable and engaging experience, you should give them some level of autonomy within your own text. Metaphors and analogies are powerful tools to let your audience do their personal interpretation and logical conclusion while still guiding them in the right direction.

First, learn about your audience and their level of familiarity with the topic you're writing about. Incorporate metaphors and analogies with familiar references. Remember, literary devices should cleverly explain complex concepts. To achieve the goal, remain coherent with the theme of the paper. But be careful not to overuse metaphors or analogies, as too much of a good thing can make your writing feel overloaded.

Use figurative language to evoke visual imagery and breathe life into your paper. Multiple metaphors can turn your paper into a movie. Visualizing ideas will help readers better understand and retain the information.

In conclusion, anytime is a great time to extend your text's impact by adding a well-chosen metaphor or analogy. But perfection is on the border of good and bad, so keep in mind to remain coherent with the theme and not overuse any literary device.

Metaphors: Unveiling Their Cultural Significance

Metaphors are not limited to just academic writing but can also be found in various forms of culture, such as art, music, film, and television. Metaphors have been a popular element in creative expression for centuries and continue to play a significant role in modern-day culture. For instance, metaphors can help artists convey complex emotions through their music or paintings.

Metaphors are often like time capsules, reflecting the cultural and societal values of a particular era. They shelter the prevailing beliefs, ideals, and philosophies of their time - from the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to modern-day pop culture.

Metaphors often frame our perception of the world and can shape our understanding of our surroundings. Certain words can take on new meanings when used metaphorically in certain cultural contexts and can assimilate to the phenomenon it is often compared to.

Here you can find a list of literature and poems with metaphors:

• William Shakespeare loved using metaphors, and here's one from his infamous Macbeth: 'It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.'
• Victor Hugo offers a timeless metaphor in Les Misérables: 'She is a rose, delicate and beautiful, but with thorns to protect her.'
• Robert Frost reminds us of his genius in the poem The Road Not Traveled: 'The road less traveled.'

Movies also contain a wide range of English metaphors:

• A famous metaphor from Toy Story: 'There's a snake in my boot!'
• A metaphor from the famous movie Silver Lining Playbook: 'Life is a game, and true love is a trophy.'
• An all-encompassing and iconic metaphor from the movie Star Wars: 'Fear is the path to the dark side.'

Don't forget about famous songs with beautiful metaphors!

• Bob Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind uses a powerful metaphor when he asks: 'How many roads must a man walk down?'
• A metaphor from Johnny Cash's song Ring of Fire: 'Love is a burning thing, and it makes a fiery ring.'
• Bonnie Tyler's famous lyrics from Total Eclipse of the Heart make a great metaphor: 'Love is a mystery, everyone must stand alone.'

Keep reading the article to find out how to write an essay with the effective use of metaphors in academic writing.

Exploring Types of Metaphors

There is a wide variety of metaphors used in academic writing, literature, music, and film. Different types of metaphors can be used to convey different meanings and create a specific impact or evoke a vivid image.

Some common types of metaphors include similes / simple metaphors, implicit metaphors, explicit metaphors, extended metaphors, mixed metaphors, and dead metaphors. Let's take a closer look at some of these types.

Simple metaphors or similes highlight the similarity between two things using 'like' or 'as.' For example, 'Her eyes were as bright as the stars.'

Implicit metaphors do not make a direct comparison. Instead, they imply the similarity between the two concepts. An example of an implicit metaphor is 'Her words cut deep,' where the similarity between words and a knife is implied. Good metaphors are often implicit since they require the reader to use their own understanding and imagination to understand the comparison being made.

Explicit metaphors are straightforward, making a clear comparison between two things. For instance, 'He is a shining star.'

An extended metaphor, on the other hand, stretches the comparison throughout an entire literary work or section of a text. This type of metaphor allows the writer to create a more complex and elaborate comparison, enhancing the reader's understanding of the subject.

Mixed metaphors combine two or more unrelated metaphors, often leading to confusion and lack of clarity. If you are not an expert on the subject, try to avoid using confusing literary devices.

Dead metaphors are another danger. These are metaphors that have been overused to the extent that they have lost their original impact, becoming clichés and not being able to evoke original visual images.

In academic writing, metaphors create a powerful impact on the reader, adding color and depth to everyday language. However, they need to be well-placed and intentional. Using an inappropriate or irrelevant metaphor may confuse readers and distract them from the main message. If you want to avoid trouble, pay for essay writing service that can help you use metaphors effectively in your academic writing.

Exploring Types of Analogies

Like metaphors, analogies are divided into several categories. Some of the common types include literal analogies, figurative analogies, descriptive analogies, causal analogies, and false/dubious analogies. In academic writing, analogies are useful for explaining complex ideas or phenomena in a way that is easy to understand.

Literal analogies are direct comparisons of two things with similar characteristics or features. For instance, 'The brain is like a computer.'

Figurative analogies, on the other hand, compare two unrelated things to highlight a particular characteristic. For example, 'The mind is a garden that needs to be tended.'

Descriptive analogies focus on the detailed similarities between two things, even if they are not immediately apparent. For example, 'The relationship between a supervisor and an employee is like that of a coach and a player, where the coach guides the player to perform at their best.'

Causal analogies are used to explain the relationship between a cause and an effect. For instance, 'The increase in global temperatures is like a fever caused by environmental pollution.'

Finally, false/dubious analogies are comparisons that suggest a similarity between two things that actually have little in common. For example, 'Getting a college degree is like winning the lottery.'

If you are trying to explain a foreign concept to an audience that may not be familiar with it, analogies can help create a bridge and make the concept more relatable. However, coming up with a perfect analogy takes a lot of time. If you are looking for ways on how to write an essay fast , explore our blog and learn even more.

If you want your academic papers to stand out and be engaging for the reader, using metaphors and analogies can be a powerful tool. Now that you know the difference between analogy and metaphor, you can use them wisely to create a bridge between complex ideas and your audience.

Explore our blog for more information on different writing techniques, and check out our essay writing service for more help on crafting the perfect papers.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.