a resemblance to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a resemblance to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing similarities or likenesses between two or more things. Example: "The painting bears a resemblance to the famous artwork by Van Gogh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And there's a resemblance to von Bülow".

The New York Times

She bears a resemblance to both.

The New York Times - Sports

This system bears a resemblance to the vertebrate autonomic system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hmm, there is a resemblance to the New Order Godfather.

The Guardian - Music

Did the French experience bear a resemblance to Rooseveltian progressivism?

The New Yorker

The high water content and elasticity create a resemblance to biological tissue, creating extensive biomedical applications.

Biomedical Polymers

This bears a resemblance to an emerging trend in the parent companies' home locations.

Journal of World Business

To Kostya's eyes, the man's face bore a resemblance to Bomka Goldfarb's.

The New Yorker

"Notice a resemblance to Ed's?" Taylor allowed that chiliheads were a competitive bunch.

The New Yorker

The withered, livid body bears a resemblance to our current moment.

The New York Times

The name is applied because of a resemblance to the legendary monster called basilisk (see cockatrice).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a resemblance to", ensure that you clearly specify both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "It bears a resemblance", specify "This new design bears a resemblance to the previous model."

Common error

Avoid using "a resemblance to" when you mean to express that something is the other thing, not just similar to it. "Resemblance" indicates similarity, not equivalence. Use verbs like 'is' or 'becomes' to indicate identity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a resemblance to" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., bear, have, show) or following a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in expressing similarities between subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a resemblance to" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase to express similarities between different subjects. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "a similarity to" and "a likeness to" exist, “a resemblance to” provides a nuanced way to indicate a superficial or visual similarity. Remember to clearly specify the subjects being compared and to avoid using the phrase when you intend to express identity or equivalence. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can confidently and accurately use "a resemblance to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similarity to

Direct synonym, focusing on the quality of being similar.

a likeness to

Similar to "similarity", but may imply a closer or more exact match.

a similarity with

A very common interchangeable variant that employs "with" instead of "to" preposition.

a correlation with

Suggests a mutual relationship or connection, not just resemblance.

an analogy to

Implies a comparison based on structural or functional similarities.

a parallel to

Focuses on things that are side-by-side or correspond in some way.

a correspondence to

Suggests a direct relationship or equivalence.

a kinship with

Suggests a shared origin or nature, a more inherent connection.

an affinity for

Highlights a natural liking or attraction, implying a deeper connection.

a tie to

Highlights a connection that links two or more things.

FAQs

How can I use "a resemblance to" in a sentence?

You can use "a resemblance to" to point out similarities between two things. For example: "The architecture of this building bears "a resemblance to" ancient Roman structures".

What are some alternatives to "a resemblance to"?

Alternatives include "a similarity to", "a likeness to", or "a similarity with" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a resemblance to" or "a similarity to"?

Both "a resemblance to" and "a similarity to" are correct, but "resemblance" often implies a visual or superficial similarity, while "similarity" can be more general.

What's the difference between "resemble" and "bear a resemblance to"?

"Resemble" is a verb, whereas "bear "a resemblance to"" uses a noun phrase. "He resembles his father" is structurally different from "He bears "a resemblance to" his father", although both mean the same thing.