Analogies in English: Questions, Easy Tricks, Rules, Preparation Tips and more

In its most common use, analogy is comparison of things based on those things being alike in some way. For example, one can make or draw an analogy between the seasons of the year and the stages of life. In William Shakespeare's "All the World's a Stage," life is compared to a play, with individuals playing various roles across seven stages. These stages, starting with infancy and ending with second childhood, depict the progression of a man's life from birth to death.

To understand word analogies, students must first understand what is an analogy. An analogy is a similarity between words that creates a connection of understanding. If you put it in other language, analogies compare and connect two different things. Word analogies are similar because they show relationships between two contrasting words.

Also Read: Conjunctions in English Grammar

According to Cambridge dictionary, “Analogy is a comparison between things that have similar features, often used to help explain a principle or idea. For example, he drew an analogy between the brain and a vast computer.”

It is pronounced as /əˈnæl.ə.dʒi/ us  /əˈnæl.ə.dʒi/

Going by Oxford dictionary, “Analogy is a comparison of the features or qualities of two different things to show their similarities. For example, he was explaining that the mind has no form and is invisible, and that a useful analogy is of the mind being like the sky.”

It is pronounced as /əˈnæl·ə·dʒi/

Also Read: Nouns: Meaning with Examples

On the basis of the type of relationship they establish between the elements being compared, Analogies in English can be divided into following types:

Part to whole: This type of analogy highlights the relationship between a smaller part and the larger part of the same object. For example, The nose on her face is very chiseled. 

Cause and effect: This analogy describes the relationship between two concepts, i.e. the first word describes the cause and the second word describes the consequence of it. For example, due to heavy rain, my clothes are all wet.  

Synonyms: This analogy compares words with similar meanings. For example, I am glad that my daughter is finally happy.

Antonyms: This type compares words with opposite meanings. For example, I feel like having cold coffee in this hot weather.

Object to function: This analogy describes the primary function of the word.  For example, Airplane is the fastest mode to travel. 

Performer to action: This analogy type tells about the action a person or entity performs. For example, The doctor helps you to heal the wound.

Examples of Types of Analogy in English

Object to classification: This type relates an object to the group or category it belongs to. For example, Dog is a very playful animal.

Effort and Result: this analogy talks about the effort or work done to the resulting outcome. For example, Study hard to pass the class with flying colours.

Characteristic quality: This type tells the quality of the object. For example, This pillow is very soft. The Knife is sharp.

Also Read: English Antonyms

In English, analogy talks about relationship between two pairs of words or concepts, highlighting a similarity in their connection. Here’s the breakdown of the rules and structure of analogy so that the students can easily approach the analogy questions:

• A : B :: C : ? Here "A" and "B" are the first pair, and "C" and the missing word are the second pair.
• Single colon (:): means "is to".
• Double colon (::): means "as".

Let’s take a look at the structure of analogy in detail: 

Target and Source

The analogy has a target (the concept that needs explanation) and a source (the familiar concept used for comparison).

Relationship

It is important to identify a relationship between the target and the source, often expressed as "A is to B as C is to D".

Colon Notation

In some cases, analogies are written using a colon (:) to indicate "is to" and a double colon (::) to signify "as".

For example,

Target: Memory

Source: Love

Analogy: Memory is to love what the saucer is to the cup.

Here are some rules to write a good analogy:

Clarity: The connection between the target and source should be clear.

Familiarity: Familiar sources to the audience make the analogy relatable.

Concrete Examples: Use concrete examples rather than abstract ideas for better clarity

Purpose: Define the purpose of the analogy in a clear way, whether to explain, illustrate, or persuade.

Visuals: Prefer using visuals to enhance the analogy's impact.

Context: The analogy should be appropriate for the context and setting.

Also Read: Adverb: Preparation Tips 

Analogies in English also have special cases and exceptions, such as when they are weak, overly broad, or used inappropriately. Let’s take a look at some such exceptions and special cases in analogy for better understanding.

Weak Analogies:

Also known as false analogies, this analogy compares two things that are not sufficiently similar. For example, comparing apples and oranges. While both are fruits, they have different tastes, textures, and nutritional values.

Overly Broad Analogies:

These analogies draw comparisons that are too general that it overlooks important distinctions between the two items. For example, "Life is like a box of chocolates." This analogy is broad and doesn't provide specific insight into the nuances of life.

Misapplied Analogies:

When analogies are applied to situations where the underlying similarities are not genuine or relevant, they are categorized to be misused and misapplied. For example, "Dogs and cats both have fur, so they should be treated the same." This analogy ignores the significant differences in their behavior and needs.  

Proportional vs. Non-Proportional Analogies:

Proportional analogies, like "A is to B as C is to D," highlight a similar relationship between pairs of items. Non-proportional analogies, on the other hand, don't follow this strict, symmetrical pattern. For example, "Cat is to kitten as dog is to puppy" is a proportional analogy since both relate an adult animal to its young. At the same time, "Foot is to leg" is an example of non-proportional analogy.

Analogies in Literature:

When analogies are used to create vivid imagery, evoke emotions, or illustrate "The human heart is like a pump." complex concepts in literature, it is called analogies in literature. However, they should not be used solely for decoration or to avoid providing a concrete explanation. They can be figurative (comparing unrelated things) or literal (comparing similar things). For example, "She is as cold as ice” is a figurative analogy. However, "The human heart is like a pump” is an example of literal analogy.

Analogies and Conceptual Metaphors:

In cognitive linguistics, the concept of conceptual metaphor is closely related to analogy, as metaphors often rely on an underlying analogical understanding. For example, "The brain is like a computer" is an analogy, while "Life is a journey" is a conceptual metaphor.

Also Read: Verbs: Exceptions and Rules

Students can excel at English analogies if they focus on understanding the relationship between words, practice regularly, and expand their vocabulary. Students need to know how to identify different types of analogies like synonyms, antonyms, part-whole, and cause-effect etc. Problem solving strategy is another tip to master analogy.

Let’s take a look at these preparation tips and tricks in detail: 

Understand the relationship

Understanding the relationship between the first pair of words, is the core of solving an analogy. For that you need to understand and consider different types of analogies (explained above in the page). After that, phrase the analogy as a sentence to help clarify the relationship.

Practice regularly

The more you practice, the better you'll become at analogy as you will start recognizing patterns and relationships. Students can use variety of questions from different types of analogies to build a broader understanding.

Expand your vocabulary

Students should keep learning new words as a larger vocabulary enables you to understand the nuances of word meanings and relationships. To expand vocabulary, read a lot. Reading helps you understand how words are used in different contexts.

Use elimination strategies

Identify answers that don't have a similar type of relationship to the original pair. If you're unsure of the meaning of a word, try thinking of its alternative meanings. If you're stuck on a question, try eliminating the most unlikely answers and make an educated guess.

Time management

Try solving analogy questions in stipulated time as it will help students answer analogy questions timely and efficiently in timed tests.

Also Read: Prepositions in English Language 

Although practice and reading helps students ace the concept of analogy, here are few ways how students can identify an analogy in a sentence.

Look for a Comparison

Analogies always involve comparing two things, often things that aren't directly related. The comparison can be explicit (using "like" or "as") or implicit, where the relationship is suggested.

Identify the "Target" and "Source"

The target is often a concept or idea that is being explained or clarified, in a sentence. The source is the familiar thing that explains the target.

Look for Shared Characteristics

Analogies work because the target and source share some common characteristics or features. The comparison helps the reader understand the target more easily by relating it to the source.

Consider the Purpose

Analogies are used to make complex information more accessible and understanding. They can also help explain relationships or draw conclusions. 

How to Identify Analogy in English

Also Read: Paraphrasing: Preparation Tips