By analogy
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use `by analogy` to explain difficult concepts by comparing them to something your audience already knows well.
In 15 Seconds
- Connects a complex idea to a simpler, familiar one.
- Commonly used in academic, legal, and professional writing.
- Signals that the same logic applies to a new situation.
Meaning
You use this phrase to explain a complex idea by comparing it to something simpler that your listener already understands. It is like saying 'using the same logic' or 'in a similar way' to bridge two different topics.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a new software feature
Think of the firewall as a security guard; `by analogy`, it checks everyone's ID before letting them in.
Think of the firewall as a security guard; in a similar way, it checks everyone's ID before letting them in.
Teaching a child about saving money
A garden needs water to grow; `by analogy`, your savings account needs regular deposits to get bigger.
A garden needs water to grow; similarly, your savings account needs regular deposits to get bigger.
In a legal or business argument
Our previous project succeeded because of teamwork; `by analogy`, this new venture requires the same unity.
Our previous project succeeded because of teamwork; using that same logic, this new venture requires the same unity.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'analogy' comes from the Greek word 'analogia,' meaning proportion. In Western academic and legal traditions, arguing 'by analogy' is a powerful tool used to apply old rules to new situations. It reflects a cultural preference for logical consistency and systematic thinking.
The 'Bridge' Rule
Only use this if the two things you are comparing share a deep logical structure, not just a surface look.
Don't Over-Academicize
If you use this phrase while ordering a pizza, people might think you're trying too hard to sound smart!
In 15 Seconds
- Connects a complex idea to a simpler, familiar one.
- Commonly used in academic, legal, and professional writing.
- Signals that the same logic applies to a new situation.
What It Means
Imagine you are explaining how a computer's 'cloud' works. You might say it is like a giant digital locker. That is an analogy. When you say by analogy, you are signaling that comparison. It is a bridge between the known and the unknown. You are telling your listener: 'Use what you already know here.' It helps people visualize abstract concepts.
How To Use It
You usually drop this at the start of a sentence. You can also tuck it between two related ideas. It works best when the comparison is very strong. Don't use it for tiny, obvious things. Save it for when you are making a serious point. It is like a 'Heads up!' for a smart comparison. It makes you sound thoughtful and organized.
When To Use It
Use it in a presentation to look sharp. Use it when teaching someone a tricky new skill. It is great in emails when explaining a new process. If you are arguing a point, it is your best friend. It makes your logic feel solid and grounded. Try it during a deep conversation about life or business. It shows you can see the 'big picture.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the things are not actually similar. That just confuses people. Avoid it in very casual settings, like shouting over loud music. It can sound a bit 'professor-ish' if you overdo it. If a simple 'like' works, just use 'like.' Don't force it into a quick text to your crush. You might sound like you are writing a textbook.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in Greek philosophy. Thinkers like Aristotle loved using analogies to explain the world. In English-speaking cultures, we value clear, logical explanations. Being able to draw parallels is seen as a sign of intelligence. It is a staple in law, science, and high-level business. It is the language of someone who thinks before they speak.
Common Variations
You might hear by way of analogy. Some people say drawing an analogy. In casual talk, we just say it's like.... Similarly is a close cousin that is a bit softer. In a parallel fashion is the fancy, long-winded version. Stick to by analogy for the best balance of style and clarity.
Usage Notes
This is a C1-level discourse marker. It is primarily formal and should be used when you want to appear logical, professional, or academic.
The 'Bridge' Rule
Only use this if the two things you are comparing share a deep logical structure, not just a surface look.
Don't Over-Academicize
If you use this phrase while ordering a pizza, people might think you're trying too hard to sound smart!
The Lawyer's Favorite
In English-speaking courts, lawyers use 'reasoning by analogy' to win cases by showing how a new crime is just like an old one.
Examples
6Think of the firewall as a security guard; `by analogy`, it checks everyone's ID before letting them in.
Think of the firewall as a security guard; in a similar way, it checks everyone's ID before letting them in.
Uses a simple job to explain a technical process.
A garden needs water to grow; `by analogy`, your savings account needs regular deposits to get bigger.
A garden needs water to grow; similarly, your savings account needs regular deposits to get bigger.
Connects nature to finance for a clear lesson.
Our previous project succeeded because of teamwork; `by analogy`, this new venture requires the same unity.
Our previous project succeeded because of teamwork; using that same logic, this new venture requires the same unity.
Uses past success to justify a future strategy.
My ex is like a broken app; `by analogy`, no matter how many times I restart, it still crashes.
My ex is like a broken app; in the same way, no matter how many times I restart, it still crashes.
A humorous way to use a formal phrase in a casual chat.
The ocean has tides that come and go; `by analogy`, your sadness will have moments of intensity and calm.
The ocean has tides that come and go; in a similar way, your sadness will have moments of intensity and calm.
Uses a natural metaphor to provide comfort.
Electrons orbit the nucleus; `by analogy`, planets orbit the sun in our solar system.
Electrons orbit the nucleus; similarly, planets orbit the sun in our solar system.
Classic academic use to explain physics.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to complete the logical comparison.
The heart pumps blood through the body; ___, a water pump moves water through a building.
`By analogy` is used here to show the functional similarity between a heart and a water pump.
Complete the sentence to show a comparison.
Just as a captain leads a ship, ___, a CEO leads a corporation.
The sentence draws a parallel between two leadership roles, making `by analogy` the correct connector.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Comparison Markers
Used with friends and family.
It's like...
Standard daily communication.
Similarly...
Academic papers and business reports.
By analogy...
Legal documents and philosophy.
By way of analogy...
When to use 'By Analogy'
Teaching Tech
Comparing a CPU to a brain.
Legal Debate
Applying an old law to the internet.
Business Strategy
Comparing a market to a battlefield.
Scientific Theory
Comparing cells to tiny factories.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means you are explaining one thing by comparing it to something else that is similar in logic or structure. For example, by analogy, a beehive is like a busy office.
Yes, similarly is more general. By analogy specifically implies a logical comparison used for explanation or proof.
You can, but it sounds quite formal. It is better for presentations or serious discussions than for chatting about the weather.
It usually starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon. Example: 'The brain processes data; by analogy, a computer does the same.'
No, it is also very common in business strategy and legal arguments to show how one situation relates to another.
Using it when there is no real comparison. If you just mean 'also,' use also instead of by analogy.
It can if used too often. Save it for moments when you really need to clarify a difficult point.
No, the set phrase is almost always just by analogy without the 'an'.
Yes, it is just a slightly longer, even more formal version of the same expression.
It helps you organize your thoughts and signals to your listener that a helpful comparison is coming.
Related Phrases
In the same vein
Drawing a parallel
Akin to
Much like
Correspondingly
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