What It's Like

At times, especially at the beach, I hear someone say, “Yeah, it’s like, you know…,” and guess that the art of analogy has totally failed the speaker. Drawing effective comparisons involves at least two important elements: a striking image and a likeness that makes the analogy fairly rational.

Writing analogies is not as easy as falling off a log, not like taking candy from a baby. Having just used two old standby phrases, worn out and made trite through overuse, it is probably a good time to mention that a lack of originality can cause your analogy to fall as flat as a pancake. It is not a good idea to rely on others for analogies. Your comparisons should be fresh and new.

The words “like” and “as” generally lead into analogies. For instance, if I say, “Watching big waves roll in is like seeing carnival rides I want to try,” I have made a comparison of two different ideas with a similarity, which is anticipation of exciting rides.

A good analogy brightens a piece of writing, much like the glint of sunlight or moonlight on the tips of waves in the bay brightens their beauty, adding sparkle and light.

Finding a comparison between disparate ideas, making a connection between them, can be difficult but is worthwhile when your readers pay attention, their interest in what you have to say caught like a golden fish in the net of your essay’s flowing reason and wit.

Don’t overdo it, though. Too many analogies can turn a good bit of writing into a ridiculous test of the reader’s ability to follow what you are saying. It’s like, you know….

See you next time the breeze is cool, the sun is up, and the waves roll into view! My next entry is coming soon. ‘Til then, hang ten!