The Writer’s Toolbox

An analogy is a comparison used to explain something. The simplest form of analogy takes this format: word is to sentence as chapter is to book. You may have seen it expressed this way

Word : sentence :: chapter : book

This comparison is easy to understand because we are familiar with words in sentences, and chapters in books.

Analogy

Teachers often use analogies to explain complex concepts or procedures. A kindergarten teacher may compare the United States to a school building, explaining that each state is like a classroom. Every classroom has a teacher with a set of classroom rules, while states have governors and laws specific to their state. Even though classrooms and states have their own sets of rules and laws, there are certain things that every classroom in a school or every state in the Union must abide by. For instance, students have to follow expectations, like dress codes, set out in the student handbook regardless of individual classroom rules. Likewise, citizens of the United States must adhere to expectations spelled out in the United States Constitution such as freedom to worship as they please, and the rights of free speech and assembly.

When to Use Analogies

Let’s say you are writing a letter to the editor and you want to sway readers to your way of thinking. The topic is complex, perhaps controversial. One way to help your reader understand your position is to use an analogy. Compare your complex concept to something ordinary and familiar. Like in the example above, give your reader something they understand to hang onto.

Perhaps you’re writing a persuasive paper for school. Our brains are wired for story and an analogy is merely presenting your position in story format. Make it impossible for your teacher to disagree with your position. A thoughtful analogy can be more persuasive than a page of dry facts. A word of caution, false analogies litter the social media landscape. Make sure the analogy fits or it will pit your reader against you.

Analogies are tools to make your writing accessible to your reader.