How to teach analogies
Grade 2 to Grade 6
An analogy is a pair of pairs that share the same relationship, written as A is to B as C is to D. Solving one means working out how the first two words are linked, then applying that same link to complete the second pair. Analogies build vocabulary and, more importantly, the reasoning skill of naming a relationship precisely.
How to teach it
- Teach the format and read it aloud: 'hot is to cold as up is to ...' so the pattern is clear.
- Model the key move: state the relationship of the first pair in a full sentence (a puppy is a young dog).
- Apply that same sentence to the second pair to find the missing word (a kitten is a young cat).
- Name common relationship types: opposites, synonyms, part-to-whole, category, and object-to-use.
- Have students write their own analogies, which forces them to define a clear relationship.
Worked example
puppy : dog :: kitten : ? relationship: a puppy is a young dog apply it: a kitten is a young cat answer: cat
Common mistakes
- Matching on topic instead of relationship (picking 'bark' because it relates to dogs).
- Not stating the relationship clearly before choosing an answer.
- Applying the relationship in the wrong direction.
- Choosing a word that fits loosely rather than the exact same link.
Frequently asked questions
What is an analogy?
An analogy is a pair of pairs that share the same relationship, written as A is to B as C is to D. Solving one means working out how the first two words are linked, then applying that same link to complete the second pair. It builds vocabulary and precise reasoning.
What age or grade are analogies taught?
Analogies are usually taught from Grade 2 to Grade 6. Students learn the A is to B as C is to D format, practise naming the relationship of the first pair, apply it to the second, and meet common relationship types like opposites and part-to-whole.
How do you solve an analogy?
State the relationship of the first pair in a full sentence, then apply that same sentence to the second pair. For puppy is to dog as kitten is to what, the relationship is 'a puppy is a young dog', so a kitten is a young cat, giving the answer cat.
What are the common types of analogy relationship?
Common types include opposites, synonyms, part-to-whole, category, and object-to-use. Naming which type of relationship links the first pair is the key move, because you then apply exactly that relationship to complete the second pair rather than matching on topic.
Why teach analogies?
Analogies build vocabulary and, more importantly, the reasoning skill of naming a relationship precisely. Working out and applying the exact link between two words trains careful thinking, and writing their own analogies forces students to define a clear relationship.
Why does my child get analogies wrong?
The usual mistake is matching on topic instead of relationship, such as picking 'bark' because it relates to dogs, rather than the parallel link. Not stating the relationship clearly first, applying it in the wrong direction, or choosing a loose fit are related errors that stating the link aloud fixes.
What is the format of an analogy?
An analogy is written A is to B as C is to D, often with colons, such as puppy is to dog as kitten is to cat. The first pair sets up a relationship, and the reader completes the second pair so it shares the same relationship.
Practise with free worksheets
Printable worksheets with answer keys that are never wrong.