https://science-education-research.com Creative comparisons Making science familiar through language An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts With an introductory essay Keith S. Taber Emeritus Professor of Science Education, University of Cambridge October 2025 The catalogue is ‘illustrative’ as the sheer number of instances being created and used every day makes any kind of comprehensive survey non-viable; however the catalogue includes examples from across a wide range of science topics, and from diverse sources including teaching, popular science books, scientist’s own writings, science journalism, and scientists’ statements made in broadcast interviews.