a doppelganger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a doppelganger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who closely resembles another person, often used in contexts involving look-alikes or doubles. Example: "When I saw her at the party, I couldn't believe my eyes; she looked just like my old friend, a true doppelganger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With Busoni there is at all times a doppelganger.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Taylor has also done some writing about being a doppelganger.

The New York Times

"The stalemate in Congress has a doppelganger in individual Americans' minds.

The New York Times

I have lived my life as a doppelganger, a secondary Ravi Shankar.

The New York Times

Our fave quote was: "I am pretty sure I am a doppelganger for Alan Alda.

The Guardian - Film

He succeeded, but not before being pursued through the Red Room's maze by a doppelganger.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Garcia's version offers a doppelganger in the same clothing but different attitude.

The Guardian - Film

JS: Well, I thought to have David Bowie playing Andy Warhol was like a doppelganger.

The Guardian - Film

It's a doppelganger to the Ultimo, with outplants that are a tad less obvious.

The New York Times - Style

It appears with the face of Pernath, a doppelganger who adds to the increasingly unreal quality of the story.

The Guardian - Books

But he also creates a doppelganger, an alternative self whom he both despises and wants to be.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a doppelganger" to describe a person who is strikingly similar in appearance to another, especially in fiction or when discussing themes of identity and duality. Consider the context to avoid using it when simpler terms like "look-alike" or "double" would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "a doppelganger" solely to describe a vague resemblance. The term carries a connotation of an uncanny or eerie similarity, often associated with folklore and psychological themes. Ensure the context justifies the use of this more evocative term rather than a simple description of resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a doppelganger" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig showcases numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe a person who closely resembles another, often with an uncanny or eerie connotation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Film

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Huffington Post

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a doppelganger" is a noun phrase used to describe someone who bears a striking, often uncanny, resemblance to another person. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources. Predominantly found in News & Media, Film, and Books, it carries a neutral register with a subtle eerie connotation. When writing, be mindful of this connotation and use the term when you want to suggest an eerie likeness rather than a simple description of resemblance. Alternatives like "a look-alike" or "a double" might be more appropriate in some contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a double

A person who closely resembles another, sometimes used in film or for security purposes.

a look-alike

A person who bears a striking resemblance to another, often famous, individual.

a twin stranger

Someone who looks remarkably like another person, despite being unrelated.

an identical twin

Refers to one of two siblings who share almost identical genetic makeup and appearance.

an exact likeness

A person or thing that has a very strong similarity in appearance to someone or something else.

a spitting image

Indicates a very close resemblance, often familial, capturing similarity in appearance and mannerisms.

a carbon copy

An exact duplicate, implying precise replication in appearance or function.

a clone

A genetically identical copy of an organism, implying exact replication.

a counterpart

Someone or something that has the same job or purpose as another but in a different place or organization.

a replica

An exact copy or model of something, often on a smaller scale.

FAQs

How can I use "a doppelganger" in a sentence?

You can use "a doppelganger" to describe someone who looks strikingly similar to another person. For instance, "She was shocked to see "a doppelganger" of her long-lost friend in the crowd".

What words can I use instead of "a doppelganger"?

Alternatives to "a doppelganger" include "a look-alike", "a double", or "an identical twin", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a doppelganger" in formal writing?

Yes, "a doppelganger" is appropriate in formal writing when the context involves themes of identity, duality, or psychological exploration. However, ensure the tone and subject matter warrant the use of this term, which can carry a slightly eerie or uncanny connotation.

What is the origin of the term "a doppelganger"?

The term "doppelganger" comes from the German language, meaning "double walker" or "double goer". It traditionally refers to a ghostly double of a living person, often seen as an omen of bad luck or death. In modern usage, it generally means someone who looks very similar to another person.