Tool–Product Relationship

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One word names a tool, the other names what the tool creates or acts upon.

A tool–product analogy pairs an instrument (pen, camera, hammer) with the output it produces or the material it acts on (writing/ink, photograph, driven nail). The relationship is functional and directional: the tool creates or modifies the product. A valid analogy keeps the same causal direction on both sides.

A (tool) : B (product/effect of A) :: C : D

• pen : writing :: brush : painting
• camera : photograph :: oven : bread
• saw : plank :: loom : fabric

How to recognize it

• Ask: 'What does A produce or act upon?' — the answer is B
• A and C are physical instruments; B and D are their outputs or targets
• The direction is producer → product, not the reverse

Common mistakes

• Using material instead of product (pen : ink describes material, not output)
• Confusing with worker–workplace (chef : kitchen) or part–whole
• Reversing direction on one side only

Practice guidance

Verbal Reasoning