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Prepositions after adjectives

Analogous to or with?

Analogous is normally followed by to when comparing similar things. Other prepositions are uncommon or belong to different sentence structures.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows analogous?

Use analogous to when saying one thing is comparable or similar in some way to another. Analogous with is uncommon in modern standard English. In usually adds context rather than completing the adjective.

The process is analogous to natural selection.
Her role is analogous to that of a project manager.
The situation is analogous to a previous case.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
analogous to + noun

Comparing one thing with another

Use to when showing similarity or correspondence between two things.

This structure is analogous to a bridge design.
The system is analogous to the human brain.
2
analogous to + clause

Comparing with a broader idea

To can introduce longer comparisons and explanations.

Their approach is analogous to how small startups operate.
3
analogous in + respect

Specifying the area of similarity

In may describe the respect or category in which things are similar, not the complement after analogous.

The two methods are analogous in several ways.
4
analogous to + role/function

Comparing functions or purposes

Use to when two things serve similar functions.

The device is analogous to a digital assistant.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
analogous to
The law is analogous to an earlier rule.
Standard construction meaning comparable or similar.
analogous with
The pattern is analogous with previous findings.
Rare and often replaced by analogous to in current English.
analogous in
The systems are analogous in structure.
In introduces the aspect of similarity, not the main complement.
similar to
The result is similar to last year's outcome.
A common alternative with a broader everyday use.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using with after analogous

With is uncommon after analogous in modern standard English.

✕ The design is analogous with the original model. ✓ The design is analogous to the original model.

Using in as the direct complement

In usually introduces the aspect or context of similarity.

✕ The policy is analogous in the old system. ✓ The policy is analogous to the old system.

Confusing analogous and identical

Analogous means comparable, not exactly the same.

✕ The two machines are analogous, so they are identical. ✓ The two machines are analogous, but not identical.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The structure is analogous ___ a honeycomb.
2. The two cases are analogous ___ several respects.
3. Which sentence is most standard?

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Frequently asked questions

Is analogous to correct?

Yes. Analogous to is the standard and most common construction.

Can I say analogous with?

It exists but is uncommon in current standard English. Analogous to is usually preferred.

What does analogous mean?

It means comparable in certain features, functions, or relationships.

abhorrent-to-in-for-of, about "ablaze with" or "ablaze in"? "able for" or "able in"? "abreast of" or "abreast with"? "absent from" or "absent in"? absolute in, for, of, to or as? "absurd to", "absurd in" or "absurd for"? abundant in, with, of, on or for? "abusive to", "abusive in" or "abusive towards"? "academic in" or "academic at"? "acceptable to" or "acceptable for"? accessible to, by, for, from or in?

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