How do you work out analogy?

Answer 1

The set-up is pretty simple: this is to that as this is to that.

Example: Dog is to newspaper as cat is to litter box.

The first two things are related in the same way the second two things are related. A dog goes to the bathroom on newspaper and a cat goes to the bathroom in a litter box.

Analogies can also be set-up a different way: this is to this as that is to that.

Using the same example: Dog is to cat as newspaper is to litter box.

This time the first and the third things are related and the second and fourth things are related. The relationships will never be first and fourth or second and third related.

A note on structure: analogies can be written without using the words "is to" or "as." Instead they might use a colon (:) or a double colon(::).

Example: Dog:Cat::newspaper:litter box

So when you first look at an analogy, look for a relationship between two of the items given. When you find it, then look for something that would have the same relationship with the third item.

Answer 2

To solve an analogy, identify the relationship between the first pair of words and apply that same relationship to the second pair of words. Common relationships include synonyms, antonyms, part to whole, or cause and effect. It often requires critical thinking and reasoning skills to determine the correct answer.