analogy essay examples

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.

75+ Analogy Examples [in Sentences]

• Figurative Language
• Published on Sep 19, 2021

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Analogy is a rhetorical device that says one idea is similar to another idea, and then goes on to explain it. They’re often used by writers and speakers to explain a complex idea in terms of another idea that is simpler and more popularly known.

This post contains more than 75 examples of analogies, some of which have been taken from current events to give you a flavor of how they’re used in real-world writing, some from sayings of famous people, and some are my own creation. They’ve been categorized into two types:

• Analogies with proportionate relationship
• Other analogies

To get the most of these examples, notice how unlike the two things being compared are and, in the second type, how the explanation goes.

(Note: Comments that go with examples are in square brackets.)

More resources on analogy:

• What is analogy and how to write its three types?
• People often confuse analogy with metaphor and simile. Learn how metaphor, simile, and analogy differ

1. Analogies with proportionate relationship

1 . What past is to rear-view mirror, future is to windshield.

2 . What Colorado is in the canyon, Jack is in exams. Both run through the stretch quickly.

3 . What Honda Accord is to cars in 2021, Internet Explorer is to web browsers in 2021. Microsoft did well to finally pull the plug on its browser.

4 . What Monday morning is to me, regular vaccines is to my dog. We both don’t look forward to them.

5 . I’m as uncomfortable in taking a swim as a lion is in taking a climb to a tree.

6 . What dredging machine is to small earthwork, sledgehammer is to cracking walnuts.

7 . I’m as jittery facing a potentially hostile audience as an old man facing a snowstorm.

8 . My father is attracted to jazz as much as iron filings are attracted to magnet. Come what may, he’ll find a way to attend a performance in the town.

9 . Loan sharks are feasting on poor villagers by extracting exorbitant interest rates, in much the same way as vultures feast on carcass.

10 . Famished, we patiently waited for the freshly baked pizza and, when it arrived, pounced on it like grizzly bears pounce on salmons.

Here are few analogies by famous writers and public figures:

11 . As smoking is to the lungs, so is resentment to the soul; even one puff is bad for you. Elizabeth Gilbert

12 . MTV is to music as KFC is to chicken. Lewis Black

13 . He is to acting what Liberace was to pumping iron. Rex Reed on Sylvester Stallone

14 . Armstrong is to music what Einstein is to physics and the Wright Brothers are to travel. Ken Burns

15 . Super Bowl Sunday is to the compulsive gambler what New Year’s Eve is to the alcoholic. Arnie Wexler

16 . He was to ordinary male chauvinist pigs what Moby Dick was to whales. Robert Hughes on Pablo Picasso

17 . College football is a sport that bears the same relation to education that bullfighting does to agriculture. Elbert Hubbard

18 . Football is to baseball as blackjack is to bridge. One is the quick jolt; the other the deliberate, slow-paced game of skill. Vin Scully

19 . It has been said that baseball is to the United States what revolutions are to Latin America, a safety valve for letting off steam. George Will

20 . The sound byte is to politics what the aphorism is to exposition: the art of saying much with little. Charles Krauthammer

21 . Ricardo Montalban is to improvisational acting what Mount Rushmore is to animation. John Cassavetes

22 . To be an American and unable to play baseball is comparable to being a Polynesian and unable to swim. John Cheever

23 . Freedom of the press is to the machinery of the state what the safety valve is to the steam engine. Arthur Schopenhauer

24 . The Christian Coalition has no more to do with Christianity than the Elks Club has to do with large animals with antlers. Garrison Keillor

25 . If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seed must grow. Rachel Carson

26 . The president of the United States bears about as much relationship to the real business of running America as does Colonel Sanders to the business of frying chicken. J. G. Ballard

2. Other analogies

27 . More books and tuitions don’t translate into more learning just as a fire hose in place of water dispenser doesn’t translate into more drinking capacity.

28 . Although online trolling is rampant, few thoughtful and well-meaning comments also get posted. How to go about responding to them? Propagate helpful comments by retweeting, liking, or leaving your reply. Ignore the trolls. This is quite similar to how we fan or extinguish a fire. Pour gasoline, and it’ll propagate. Starve it of oxygen, and it’ll die.

29 . Entrepreneurs who are working on projects such as generating energy through fusion reaction, the method that powers our sun, and inter-planetary travel are furrowing a new path. That’s like driving on an alien terrain full of surprises with no taillight to follow.

30 . It’s not easy building a business from scratch. That’s why most entrepreneurs after exiting their first company rather invest in other ventures. It’s easier to pour gasoline on a fire than starting a new fire.

31 . Do you want to work on the fringes, do odd jobs? Or do you want to join an organization and make impact? You can remain a pirate or join a navy. Choice is yours.

32 . When the leak in the pipe was repaired, I was surprised at the high flow of water. It meant that the pipe was leaking for months and got detected only when it burst, stopping the flow completely. In much the same way, bad habits creep into our lives almost imperceptibly, with us hardly noticing it till they culminate in a mishap.

33 . Depression is like the common cold. You don’t realize how underappreciated breathing is until you have a cold, and your nose is stuffed, and all you want to do is be able to take a deep breath. That’s what it feels like to have depression. I just want to be able to breathe again. I just want to feel okay. Source

34 . When I think about the effect of software, I equate it to water. Both are basic necessities. Both defy borders and generally go where they want to go. Both need to be protected and both need to be understood. They are critical resources that will always be central to success, and it is readily apparent when either is absent. We easily understand what it is like to be thirsty, and many are finding out what it is like to be digitally unaware. Both are extremely uncomfortable. Source

35 . The vaccine situation in India is like arranged marriage. First, you’re not ready, then you don’t like any, and then u don’t get any. Those who got are unhappy thinking may be the other one would have been better. Those who did not get any are willing to get anyone. Source

36 . Money is like manure. If you spread it around, it’s useful, and everything around you starts greening. If you leave it lying in a pile, it starts stinking quite quickly. Source

37 . Time for negotiations and beating around the bush is over; we need to take hard steps now. It’s time to give up scalpel and bring in hammer.

38 . We all want precise, quick, actionable solutions to solve the challenges life throws at us. However, answers to life’s challenges don’t come in bullet points. Such answers are hazy and often come in paragraphs.

39 . Ever had gum stuck on your hair. Icky, isn’t it. That’s what sight of a centipede or an earthworm does to me.

40 . While reading, a reader needs to slow down somewhat to comprehend a sentence that lacks parallel structure. Don’t we slow down when we encounter a speed bump on an otherwise smooth road? [Comment: I’ve used this and the next analogy in my post on parallelism. If you can think of a compelling thing to compare with, analogies aren’t difficult to pull off.]

41 . Just as you need two straight lines to even consider the concept of parallel lines, you need two elements in a sentence to even consider the concept of parallelism in a sentence.

42 . While their mother was away, the two leopard cubs escaped wild dogs by remaining standstill, camouflaging perfectly with the rocks in the background. Clearly, the two cubs, barely two months old, had been learning only what matters in the real world – escaping predators and hunting. In contrast, we humans learn myriad of subjects in school and college, of which only a tiny portion matters in the real world.

43 . Like the deadly fog that envelopes the region, affecting normal life for many days, global warming has emerged as the envelope of the entire planet, wreaking untold harm on the earth’s inhabitants.

44 . People gain wisdom little by little through experience, but that’s highly inefficient. You can gain wisdom much faster by learning from others’ mistakes, by receiving advice from mentors, and by reading books which have documented every possible human success and failure. Isn’t that akin to filling a bucket by a dripping tap when you can fill it much faster by opening the tap fully.

45 . You may have the required qualification and skills for a job, you may have mentors to guide you every step of the way, and you may have the best colleagues. But all this means nothing if you’re in the wrong job. It’s like having the best vehicle for a journey and friendliest co-passengers, but heading in a direction different from your destination.

46 . Government has invested so much of taxpayer’s money into the state-owned airline but to no avail. It hasn’t shown profits in nearly ten years. Is it any different from spraying fertilizer on weeds and deadwood?

47 . Trying ten pilot projects to zero in on our new product is quite resource heavy. Instead, we should try maximum 2-3 pilots based on a strong hypothesis. We can’t waste bullets through shotgun fire; we need sniper fire.

48 . None of your business ideas have worked so far because you haven’t thoroughly tested key assumptions in your business model. You’re in a way constantly shooting in the dark, hoping to find the target.

49 . You should stay in this project for few more weeks and complete it. Otherwise, your successor might get the credit for the completed project even though you’ve done bulk of the work. You’ll lay the eggs that others will hatch.

50 . With his skills, he’ll be better suited in marketing than in sales. You can’t put a square peg in a round hole.

51 . The fish asked the two passing subadult fish, “How’s the water?” The two subadult fish quizzically ask each other, “What’s water?” Like the fish don’t know what water is because it’s such an indistinguishable part of their life, we don’t see our frailties because they’re such an indistinguishable part of our lives.

52 . In the division of business empire between the feuding siblings, the sister got the steady cash-generator of a company. The others landed less attractive assets. That was like the sister skimming the cream and leaving double-toned milk for the brothers.

53 . He performed so well in the interview that he topped the exam despite poor performance in the written test. Imagine Usain Bolt winning 100-meter dash despite starting the race ten meters behind others.

54 . Industries such as online retail have such thin margins that an odd adverse event may turn a quarter from profit to loss. Life in the wild for predators is no different. A timely kill, or lack of it, can be the difference between fasting and feasting.

55 . By the time court ordered a stay on demolition order of the municipal body, the building was razed down. That was like conducting a successful organ transplant but failing to save the patient.

56 . Our program helping students boost their brain power didn’t take off. Our program helping struggling students did much better though. Isn’t it easier to sell aspirin than vitamin?

57 . When the leak in the pipe was repaired, I was surprised at the high flow of water. It meant that the pipe was leaking for months and got detected only when it burst, stopping the flow completely. In much the same way, bad habits creep into our lives almost imperceptibly, with us hardly noticing it till they culminate in a mishap.

58 . Public companies can find it challenging to reinvent themselves and make breakthrough progress because of constant pressure to keep short-term results clean. That’s why sometimes companies go private, Dell being an example, to discover their mojo away from the pressures a public company faces. I did something similar as an individual. For a year, I retreated from most time-wasters and social activities, tried multiple things, and found the career path I wanted to take.

59 . The marketing head proposed six marketing channels to pursue to increase brand awareness, possibly playing safe. Throw enough spaghetti against the wall and some of it will stick.

60 . When the company decided to disband the post because of inadequate work, the person-to-be-effected justified its continuance, citing the important functions the post served. Ask a man whose job is to shoo flies about the importance of his job, and he’ll say that he is saving humanity. We all think ours is the most important job.

61 . People underestimate how quickly they can become an expert in a field if they keep on improving and keep putting in the hours on their skill. It’s like how fast money multiplies when it accrues interest in a bank.

62 . If your content features on the second page of search result on Google, no one is going to find it. That’s like a murderer hiding a dead body at a place where no one can detect it.

63 . Just like one should cross a stream where it is shallowest, a company should enter that segment of a market where it has some advantage or where competition is less.

64 . Just as people don’t heed to health warning prominently displayed on cigarette packets and smoke, people don’t learn basic workplace skills despite knowing that lack of these skills affect their chance of landing a good job.

65 . The businessman, who hoodwinked several unsuspecting people with his suave manners and forged pedigree, was finally arrested. What many thought to be a promissory note turned out to be a dud cheque.

66 . Just as a cautious businessman avoids investing all his capital in one concern, so wisdom would probably admonish us also not to anticipate all our happiness from one quarter alone. Sigmund Freud

67 . Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfils the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. Winston Churchill

68 . It is with books as with men; a very small number play a great part; the rest are lost in the multitude. Voltaire

69 . A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity, and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen by morning light, at noon, and by moonlight. Robertson Davies

70 . It is with narrow-souled people as with narrow-necked bottles: the less they have in them, the more noise they make in pouring it out. Jonathan Swift

71 . Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight. Josh Billings

72 . The lights of stars that were extinguished ages ago still reach us. So it is with great men who died centuries ago, but still reach us with the radiations of their personalities. Kahlil Gibran

73 . As the internal-combustion engine runs on gasoline, so the person runs on self-esteem: if he is full of it, he is good for the long run; if he is partly filled, he will soon need to be refueled; and if he is empty, he will come to a stop. Thomas Szasz

74 . I don’t like nature. It’s big plants eating little plants, small fish being eaten by big fish, big animals eating each other. It’s like an enormous restaurant. Woody Allen

75 . The human mind treats a new idea the same way the body treats a strange protein; it rejects it. Peter B. Medawar

76 . I go to books and to nature as a bee goes to the flower, for a nectar that I can make into my own honey. John Burroughs

77 . Trickle-down theory – the less than elegant metaphor that if one feeds the horse enough oats, some will pass through to the road for the sparrows. John Kenneth Galbraith

78 . A man should live with his superiors as he does with his fire; not too near, lest he burn; not too far off, lest he freeze. Diogenes

79 . We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come. Joseph Campbell

80 . Relationships are hard. It’s like a full-time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks’ notice. There should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should have to find you a temp. Bob Ettinger

Anil is the person behind this website. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

Argument By Analogy

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Dive into the art of persuasive communication with our expert guide on argument by analogy. This technique, pivotal in debate and discourse, compares two different things based on a shared characteristic. Our tips and examples will equip you with the skills to craft compelling analogies , enhancing your arguments and engaging your audience effectively. Perfect for debaters, writers, and thinkers aiming to influence and inform.

What is Argument By Analogy? – Definition

An argument by analogy draws a comparison between two distinct entities, situations, or concepts, suggesting that what is true for one is also true for the other based on shared attributes. It’s a persuasive tool that asserts if two things are alike in one or more respects, they are likely alike in other respects as well. This form of argument is often used to explain a complex idea with a familiar one, making it easier to understand or accept. For a deeper understanding, explore the concept of analogy in literature , which showcases how literary figures use this technique to convey their messages.

What is the Best Example of Argument By Analogy?

The best example of an argument by analogy is often found in legal reasoning. For instance, if a court has ruled that a curfew law is constitutional in one city because it helps reduce noise and crime, one might argue by analogy that a similar law should be constitutional in another city with the same issues. The underlying principle is that if the circumstances are sufficiently similar, the same legal reasoning should apply. This analogy helps to clarify legal arguments by relating new cases to precedents, thereby providing a basis for a reasoned conclusion. To further illustrate this point, consider the analogy examples in movies , where similar scenarios are often depicted to draw parallels between different narratives.

100 Argument By Analogy Examples

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Explore the persuasive power of analogy with our curated list of 100 argument by analogy examples. Each example serves as a testament to the effectiveness of this rhetorical device in drawing parallels that enlighten and persuade. Ideal for educators, students, and professionals, these analogies are a resource for enhancing argumentative essays, speeches, and critical thinking. Delve into our collection and discover the perfect analogy to fortify your next argument.

• Just as a seed needs water to grow, a business needs investment to flourish.
• A government budget is like a household budget, where income must balance with expenditure.
• The human brain is like a computer, processing information and storing data.
• A school is to a student what a greenhouse is to a plant: a place to grow and develop.
• The heart pumping blood through the body is like a river nourishing a landscape.
• A team working on a project is like an orchestra playing a symphony, each member contributing to the harmony.
• A book is to the mind what exercise is to the body: essential for health and strength.
• A company navigating the market is like a ship sailing the ocean, requiring skill to avoid pitfalls.
• Learning a new language is like opening a door to a new world, expanding your horizon.
• A strong leader is like the keystone in an arch, holding everything together.
• A well-functioning democracy is like a tapestry, woven from diverse threads of opinion and belief.
• A mentor guiding a student is like a lighthouse guiding ships to safe harbor.
• The internet is to information what a bank is to money: a central repository.
• A judge in a courtroom is like an umpire in a game, ensuring fair play.
• A novel’s plot is like a road trip, with twists and turns that lead to a destination.
• A foundation to a building is what roots are to a tree: a source of stability and support.
• A chef creating a new dish is like an artist painting a canvas, each ingredient adding to the masterpiece.
• A car’s engine is to the car what the heart is to the body: the power source.
• A society without laws is like a game without rules: chaos ensues.
• A smartphone is like a Swiss Army knife: a compact tool with multiple functions.
• A library is to a community what memory is to the mind: a storehouse of knowledge.
• A teacher in a classroom is like a gardener in a garden, nurturing each plant to grow.
• The immune system fighting viruses is like a country defending against invaders.
• A good conversation is like a game of catch, with ideas tossed back and forth.
• A successful marketing campaign is like a magnet, attracting customers to a product.
• A movie director is to a film what a conductor is to an orchestra: the guiding force.
• A computer virus is like a biological virus, each spreading by replication and causing harm.
• A nation’s constitution is like the rules of a board game, providing the framework within which the game operates.
• A detective solving a case is like a scientist conducting an experiment, piecing together evidence to find the truth.
• A child’s development is like a plant’s growth: gradual, complex, and influenced by its environment.
• A well-told joke is like a magic trick, with timing and misdirection leading to the punchline.
• A good leader is like a shepherd, guiding the flock to safety and prosperity.
• A computer’s operating system is like a city’s infrastructure, supporting and organizing the flow of information.
• A student’s education is like building a house, with each lesson laying the foundation for future knowledge.
• A renewable energy source is like an infinite well, constantly replenishing itself.
• A secure internet connection is like a fortified castle, protecting against intruders.
• A writer’s notebook is like a treasure chest, holding ideas that can be turned into gold.
• A public speaker is like a chef, each word carefully chosen to create a delicious narrative.
• A thriving coral reef is like a bustling city, with diverse inhabitants living in a complex ecosystem.
• A political campaign is like a marathon, requiring endurance, strategy, and a strong finish.
• A smartphone’s apps are like a toolbox, each with a specific function to help with tasks.
• A movie’s soundtrack is like a spice in cooking, enhancing the overall experience.
• A well-organized desk is like a well-tended garden, each item carefully placed for maximum efficiency.
• A computer’s firewall is like a moat around a castle, preventing unwanted access.
• A skilled negotiator is like a tightrope walker, carefully balancing each word to maintain harmony.
• A scientific theory is like a map, guiding researchers through the landscape of the unknown.
• A robust economy is like a healthy heart, pumping wealth and opportunity through society.
• A clean environment is like a canvas, allowing the beauty of nature to be fully appreciated.
• A well-functioning ecosystem is like a symphony, each species playing its part in harmony.
• A secure password is like a strong lock, keeping digital assets safe from theft.
• A good education is like a passport, opening doors to opportunities around the world.
• A balanced diet is like a well-tuned instrument, each nutrient working in harmony for health.
• A strong password is like a fortified gate, protecting your digital identity from intruders.
• A well-written essay is like a well-built house, with a clear structure and purpose.
• A successful entrepreneur is like a skilled sailor, navigating the unpredictable seas of the market.
• A well-planned city is like a circuit board, with efficient pathways for traffic and communication.
• A persuasive essay is like a sales pitch, convincing the reader to buy into the argument.
• A good teacher is like a skilled coach, bringing out the best in each student.
• A reliable car is like a dependable friend, always there when you need it.
• A well-run restaurant is like a fine-tuned machine, with each part working in unison to deliver a great experience.
• A strong community is like a woven fabric, each thread contributing to the overall strength.
• A well-designed game is like a good story, engaging the player from beginning to end.
• A secure online transaction is like a sealed envelope, ensuring the contents arrive safely.
• A well-maintained park is like a sanctuary, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• A good book is like a good friend, offering comfort, wisdom, and an escape from the ordinary.
• A successful business is like a winning sports team, where strategy, skill, and teamwork lead to success.
• A well-organized event is like a choreographed dance, with each move timed to perfection.
• A good budget is like a roadmap, guiding financial decisions to reach goals.
• A strong brand is like a lighthouse, shining a light on the company’s values and attracting customers.
• A good leader is like a captain, steering the ship through calm and stormy waters alike.
• A well-functioning computer is like a well-oiled machine, with all parts working together smoothly.
• A good workout is like a tune-up for the body, keeping it running at its best.
• A well-written program is like a good recipe, with each line of code contributing to the final product.
• A good strategy is like a compass, guiding decisions in the right direction.
• A successful negotiation is like a bridge, connecting two sides to reach a common ground.
• A good mentor is like a guiding star, leading the way and providing direction.
• A well-structured argument is like a chain, with each link supporting the next.
• A good teacher is like a gardener, cultivating the minds of students so they can grow.
• A strong foundation is like bedrock, supporting everything that is built upon it.
• A good reputation is like a tree, taking years to grow but providing shade for a lifetime.
• A well-crafted speech is like a musical composition, with rhythm, dynamics, and a powerful message.
• A good investment is like planting a tree, with the benefits growing over time.
• A well-run company is like a beehive, with each member working for the good of the whole.
• A good leader is like a conductor, ensuring that each member of the team plays their part.
• A strong argument is like a fortress, well-defended and difficult to assail.
• A good decision is like a key, unlocking new opportunities and potential.
• A well-written article is like a guided tour, leading the reader through the landscape of ideas.
• A good teacher is like a map, showing students the paths they can take.
• A strong relationship is like a bridge, built on trust and mutual support.
• A good plan is like a blueprint, providing a clear vision for the future.
• A successful project is like a puzzle, with each piece necessary to complete the picture.
• A good leader is like a compass, providing direction and guidance.
• A strong argument is like a well-built wall, standing firm against opposition.
• A good book is like a window, offering a view into another world.
• A successful team is like a well-rehearsed orchestra, each member contributing to a harmonious performance.
• A good strategy is like a roadmap, showing the way to success.
• A strong brand is like a flag, representing the company and its values.
• A good leader is like a captain, navigating the ship through all conditions.
• A successful business is like a thriving garden, with each part contributing to the whole.
• A good argument is like a chain, with each link supporting the strength of the whole.

These analogies are designed to illustrate the power of argument by analogy, providing a diverse range of examples that can be adapted to various contexts and discussions. Use these analogies to enhance your reasoning, support your arguments, and engage your audience with clarity and creativity.

Argument By Analogy Examples in MATH

Mathematics often employs analogies to simplify complex concepts and create intuitive understanding. Our selection of argument by analogy examples in math bridges abstract numbers and tangible reality, aiding educators and students alike. These examples are crafted to illuminate mathematical principles through relatable comparisons, enriching learning experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for the subject’s practical applications. For instance, equations are like recipes, each ingredient (variable) must be used in the right amount (coefficient) to get the desired result (solution). This is akin to the cell analogy , where the complex structure of a cell is broken down into understandable components.

• Equations are like recipes, each ingredient (variable) must be used in the right amount (coefficient) to get the desired result (solution).
• A geometric proof is like a detective’s case, each step building on the last to solve the puzzle.
• Calculating the area under a curve is like measuring the land area of an irregularly shaped property.
• A function in math is like a vending machine: input money (x), select a button (f(x)), and receive a snack (y).
• Prime numbers are like the fundamental building blocks of numbers, similar to atoms in chemistry.
• A math theorem is like a legal verdict, reached after a series of logical arguments.
• Complex numbers are like two-dimensional coordinates, pairing the real with the imaginary.
• A mathematical series is like a train, with each car (term) attached in a specific order to reach a destination (sum).
• Solving an algebraic equation is like unlocking a combination lock, each step bringing you closer to the solution.
• A probability is like a weather forecast, predicting the likelihood of an event.

Argument By Analogy Examples in Philosophy

Philosophy thrives on the use of analogy to explain and debate concepts that are often abstract or intangible. Our collection of argument by analogy examples in philosophy is designed to provoke thought and illuminate philosophical ideas, making them accessible to both novices and seasoned thinkers. These examples serve as a bridge between the esoteric realms of thought and the more familiar experiences of everyday life. Ethical dilemmas, for example, are like crossroads, where each path represents a different moral choice, similar to the false analogy fallacy , where the choice of comparison may lead to an incorrect conclusion.

• Ethical dilemmas are like crossroads, where each path represents a different moral choice.
• Plato’s cave is like a theater, with shadows on the wall representing perceptions of reality.
• A philosopher’s argument is like a house, with each premise a brick in its foundation.
• The mind-body problem is like the relationship between a musician and their instrument.
• Free will is like steering a car, where one can choose the direction despite the road’s constraints.
• The social contract is like an unspoken agreement among diners to enjoy a peaceful meal.
• Existentialism is like a solo journey, where the traveler must find their own path.
• Socratic questioning is like peeling an onion, revealing layers of meaning through inquiry.
• The pursuit of knowledge is like climbing a mountain, striving to reach the summit of understanding.
• Moral relativism is like a palette of colors, with each shade representing a different cultural norm.

Argument By Analogy Examples in Other Minds

The philosophical problem of other minds examines the nature of consciousness and the possibility of understanding experiences outside our own. Our carefully selected argument by analogy examples in the realm of other minds are crafted to shed light on this complex subject, offering a pathway to grasp the intricacies of consciousness and empathy. These examples are invaluable for those delving into the philosophical and psychological aspects of human understanding. Understanding others’ minds is like interpreting art, where personal experience shapes perception, much like the subjective analogy where personal viewpoints influence the interpretation of comparisons.

• Understanding others’ minds is like interpreting art, where personal experience shapes perception.
• Empathy is like a bridge, connecting one’s own emotions to another’s experience.
• The problem of other minds is like wondering if other houses are home to lives as complex as your own.
• Consciousness is like an iceberg, with much remaining hidden beneath the surface.
• Telepathy is like a phone call, a direct line to another’s thoughts, if it were possible.
• The Turing Test is like a masquerade ball, where one must guess who is behind the mask.
• Introspection is like using a flashlight to illuminate the corners of one’s own mind.
• The leap of faith in believing in other minds is like trusting there’s a net when you can’t see it.
• A person’s perspective is like a window, each offering a different view of the world.
• The mind is like a diary, each entry a private thought waiting to be understood by others.

What is the Argument from Analogy Fallacy?

The argument from analogy fallacy occurs when an analogy is used to prove or support a conclusion, but the analogy is too dissimilar to be effective. This fallacy can mislead by suggesting that because two things are alike in one or more respects, they are necessarily alike in some other, pertinent respect. It’s crucial to evaluate whether the similarities are relevant and sufficient to support the conclusion. A fallacious analogy may overlook critical differences and oversimplify complex issues, leading to faulty reasoning and misleading arguments. To avoid such pitfalls, one must understand the false analogy and its implications.

What is a Strong Argument from Analogy?

A strong argument from analogy is one that draws a comparison between two entities that are alike in significant and relevant ways. The strength of the analogy depends on the degree of similarity and the relevance of the characteristics being compared. For an argument by analogy to be strong, it should provide clear, relevant parallels that directly support the conclusion being drawn. The more closely the compared elements relate to the point of contention, the more persuasive the analogy will be. Additionally, a strong argument by analogy will anticipate and address potential counterarguments, reinforcing the comparison’s validity. This is exemplified in the structural analogy , where the foundational elements of the compared items are closely scrutinized.

What is the Format of an Argument by Analogy?

The format of an argument by analogy typically follows a structured approach that outlines the similarities between two subjects to support a conclusion. Here is a basic outline:

• Introduction of the Analogy : Present the two items or concepts being compared.
• Point of Similarity : Clearly state the attributes that the two items or concepts share.
• Relevance of the Similarity : Explain how these shared attributes are pertinent to the argument or conclusion.
• Conclusion Drawn from the Similarity : Articulate the conclusion that you believe is supported by the analogy.
• Addressing Counterarguments : Preemptively respond to potential criticisms that might undermine the analogy.

This format ensures that the argument by analogy is presented in a clear, logical, and persuasive manner, making it easier for the audience to follow and understand the reasoning behind the conclusion.

How do you write Arguments By Analogy? – Step by Step Guide

Writing an argument by analogy involves a careful comparison of two subjects to illustrate a point. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a compelling argument by analogy:

• Identify the Core Idea : Start with the concept or argument you want to convey. Clearly define the point you are trying to make.
• Choose a Relatable Analogy : Select a familiar or easily understandable situation that shares key characteristics with your core idea.
• Establish Points of Similarity : List the similarities between the two subjects. Ensure these parallels are direct and relevant to your core idea.
• Explain the Analogy : Describe how the analogy illustrates your point. Make sure the comparison is logical and the relationship between the two subjects is clear.
• Reinforce the Argument : Use the analogy to strengthen your argument, showing how the comparison supports your conclusion.
• Anticipate Objections : Think about possible objections to your analogy and address them within your argument to reinforce its validity.
• Conclude Effectively : Summarize how the analogy supports your argument and restate your main point, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

Tips for Using Argument By Analogy

Using argument by analogy can be a powerful rhetorical strategy when done correctly. Here are some tips to ensure effectiveness:

• Relevance is Key : Choose analogies that are directly relevant to the argument. Irrelevant analogies can confuse the audience and weaken your argument.
• Simplicity Works Best : Use simple and straightforward analogies. Complex or convoluted comparisons can be difficult to follow.
• Be Specific : Vague analogies can be interpreted in multiple ways. Be as specific as possible to convey your message clearly.
• Use Familiar Examples : Analogies that draw on common experiences or widely understood concepts are more likely to resonate with your audience.
• Balance is Crucial : Ensure that the elements being compared are balanced in terms of their similarities and differences.
• Address Limitations : No analogy is perfect. Acknowledge the limitations of your analogy to strengthen your credibility.
• Avoid Overuse : Relying too heavily on analogies can make an argument seem weak. Use them sparingly and strategically.
• Test Your Analogy : Before finalizing your argument, test the analogy with others to see if it is persuasive and easily understood.
• Integrate with Evidence : Support your analogy with factual evidence and data where possible to provide a stronger foundation for your argument.
• Be Prepared to Adapt : Be ready to modify or abandon your analogy if it proves to be less effective than anticipated during the course of the discussion.

By following these guidelines, you can use arguments by analogy to effectively communicate complex ideas and persuade your audience with clarity and impact. Consider the insights on predictive analogy , which focuses on forecasting outcomes based on comparative analysis.

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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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