But alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But alike" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express similarity or commonality, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "The two proposals were different in execution, but alike in their goals."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But "Alike is open and raw," she said, and on screen her natural reaction worked.

The New York Times

One of the best things, however, about these latest winter sports stars is that they bring diversity to the Winter Olympics and yet are anything but alike.

The New York Times - Sports

Powell and Michael Foot, for years the two best speakers in the Commons, were poles apart politically but alike in their power to exert a mesmeric effect over even a hard-boiled Commons audience.

The Guardian

If individuals are implicated here at all, it's only in their capacity as chiselled names in the marble - singular, each, but alike in their neat rows and columns, cut into the stone in precisely the same orderly roman capitals.

The Guardian

On Feb. 3, the brothers, separated by just 15 months but alike in so many other ways, will be on different sides of the country's biggest sporting event when the Baltimore Ravens — the team John has coached for five seasons — play the San Francisco 49ers — the team Jim has coached for two — in the Super Bowl.

The New York Times - Sports

The results obtained this way show that total TC remediation is attained in all the cases studied, but alike amounts of hydrogen peroxide lead to total mineralization only when the dosage scheme is conveniently tuned.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But Botham, Flintoff and Stokes form their lineage, each indisputably their own, but all alike.

The Guardian - Sport

These systems sound good, but not alike.

The New York Times - Travel

But how alike are the two social networks?

The New York Times

"We are opposites in almost every respect, but very alike," she told me.

The New Yorker

But "Two Alike" is less concerned with such physical escapes than with the internal kind, by way of fantasy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "But alike" in formal writing. It is grammatically unconventional and can confuse readers. Instead, opt for clearer and more precise alternatives such as "Yet similar" or "Despite their differences, they are similar".

Common error

Don't assume "But alike" is interchangeable with phrases like "But similar" or "But the same". "Alike" requires careful placement and often a more structured sentence to be grammatically sound. For example, saying "They are different, but their goals are alike" is correct.

Linguistic Context

Conjunction and Adjective: While grammatically questionable, "But alike" attempts to function as a conjunction linking contrasting ideas, followed by an adjective describing similarity. Ludwig AI flags it as not correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "But alike" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and unconventional. Its intended purpose is to express a contrast followed by a similarity, but clearer alternatives like "Yet similar" or "Despite their differences, they are similar" are recommended for formal writing. The phrase occurs with similar frequency in News & Media and Science, suggesting its use is spread across a range of contexts. For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, avoid using "But alike" and opt for more standard phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Despite their differences, they are similar

Directly states the contrast and similarity, offering clarity over "But alike".

Yet similar

Emphasizes the similarity despite a preceding contrast; avoids the grammatical awkwardness of "But alike".

Notwithstanding, they share similarities

Acknowledges a contrast but focuses on the shared attributes.

Nevertheless, they have common traits

Points out the common traits that exist despite some initial contrast.

However comparable

Highlights the comparability between the subjects, even with noted differences.

Even so, they resemble each other

Highlights the resemblance, minimizing the impact of the stated difference.

Though analogous

Indicates analogy despite a prior difference, providing a more structured expression.

In spite of that, they are kindred

Suggests a deep connection or similarity despite a noted difference.

Conversely, likeness exists

Expresses that despite a contrast, there is a likeness, maintaining balance in meaning.

Withal, there is a resemblance

Offers a somewhat archaic yet precise way to state a resemblance after a contrast.

FAQs

Is "But alike" grammatically correct?

No, "But alike" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. While it appears in some contexts, it's better to use clearer alternatives such as "Yet similar" or "Despite their differences, they are similar".

What can I say instead of "But alike"?

You can use alternatives like "yet similar", "however comparable", or "despite their differences, they are similar" depending on the context.

How can I use "alike" correctly in a sentence?

Use "alike" after the elements being compared, for example, "Their goals are alike" or "The brothers are alike in many ways". Avoid placing "alike" directly after a conjunction like "but".

What's the difference between "But alike" and "But similar"?

"But similar" is a more grammatically sound and widely accepted way to express a contrast followed by a similarity. "But alike" is considered unconventional and should be avoided in formal writing.