alike to

USAGE SUMMARY

"alike to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about two or more people or things that have similarities or are similar in some respect. For example, "The two characters in the book were alike to each other in their courage and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But photographs all look alike to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

No feelings are alike to me.

The New Yorker

You all look alike to me, too".

The New Yorker

Some are sufficiently alike to form solid solutions (see alloy).

Encyclopedia Britannica

People linked in love tend to become alike, to coalesce.

The New Yorker

They all look and sound alike to some.

The Guardian - Opinion

Destiny does not come alike to all men.

The Guardian - Sport

But not all immigrants are alike to Jeff Sessions.

The New Yorker

He advised that "if they sound all alike to you, be a plumber.

The New York Times

The bank allocated 100 people, new and existing employees alike, to focus on Dodd-Frank.

The New York Times

"Those packages don't at all look alike to me," Mr. Howard said in an interview Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context of your writing and whether a more common alternative like "similar to" or "comparable to" would be more appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "alike to" in situations where the similarity is not well-defined or easily understood. Vague comparisons can weaken your writing and confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "alike to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to express similarity or resemblance between two or more entities. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "alike to" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate similarity or comparability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity with numerous examples drawn from diverse sources. While "alike to" is acceptable, "similar to" is more common. It sees frequent usage in contexts such as News & Media and Science. Consider the context and audience when choosing between "alike to" and its alternatives to ensure the most appropriate tone and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to

Indicates a general resemblance, but "similar to" is more widely used.

comparable to

Suggests a degree of equivalence that allows for comparison. It focuses on the qualities that make the entities fit for comparison.

analogous to

Implies a more structural or functional similarity, often used in technical contexts.

resembling

Highlights the visual or superficial similarities.

akin to

Suggests a similarity in spirit or essence, often used for abstract concepts.

of a kind with

Indicates that objects or concepts are similar and belong to the same kind or share fundamental characteristics.

in the same vein as

Shows similarity in style, approach or idea.

corresponding to

Implies a direct relationship or match, not just a similarity.

matching to

Suggests entities are exactly the same or a perfect fit.

equatable to

Suggests that objects or concepts are the same or equal in value, measure, or meaning.

FAQs

What does "alike to" mean?

"Alike to" means similar or comparable to something else. It indicates that two or more things share common characteristics or features.

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

You can use "alike to" to compare things. For example, "The twins are so "similar to" each other that it's hard to tell them apart."

What are some alternatives to "alike to"?

Some alternatives include "similar to", "comparable to", "resembling", and "akin to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "alike to" or "similar to"?

While both phrases convey similarity, "similar to" is more common and widely accepted in contemporary English. "Alike to" is grammatically correct but can sometimes sound less natural or more formal depending on the context.