anything alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything alike" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to inquire whether two or more things share similarities or are comparable in some way. Example: "I don't think these two paintings are anything alike; they have completely different styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We're not anything alike".

The Guardian - Music

No two shows are anything alike.

The New York Times

The best tweeters don't sound anything alike.

The New Yorker

They are practically twins, save for not looking anything alike.

The Guardian - Music

"We used to jokingly call ourselves the Twins, even though we don't look anything alike," Baker said.

The New Yorker

The special breaks "destroyed the idea that two families, each with $50,000 on their tax return, would pay taxes that were anything alike," Mr. Fox said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

As played by Emmanuelle Devos, Violette is an emotional open wound, a lesbian prone to falling in love with heterosexual women and gay men alike; anything unattainable, she wanted.

The Guardian - Film

He believed computers could be made to think because he had a rigorous proof that seemed to show that suitable software can simulate anything, brains and wings alike.

Forbes

Anyway, as Frank acknowledges, the point of the Buffett Rule really is as much symbolic as anything: Republicans and Democrats alike think we need to raise more revenue in order to help get the federal budget deficit under control.

Huffington Post

The draft "sleeper" is as coveted by GMs and scouts alike as anything, and if we do say so ourselves, previous editions of this column -- with names like Russell Wilson, Doug Martin, Terrance Williams, Giovani Bernard, Tyrann Mathieu, Eric Reid and Robert Woods -- have delivered.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anything alike", ensure the context clearly defines the entities being compared. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "anything alike" when referring to abstract concepts without establishing a concrete basis for comparison. For instance, instead of saying "Their philosophies weren't anything alike" without further explanation, specify which aspects of their philosophies differ.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything alike" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anything alike" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a lack of similarity between two or more things. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability, and its presence across various reputable sources, including The New York Times and The Guardian, attests to its widespread acceptance. While versatile, writers should aim for clarity when employing this phrase by always clarifying the subjects and reference points of comparison. Related phrases such as "not at all similar" and "entirely different" provide alternative means of expressing dissimilarity, each carrying subtle nuances in emphasis and scope.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at all similar

Emphasizes a complete lack of similarity; intensifies the negation of likeness.

remotely comparable

Indicates a very slight degree of comparability, implying that similarities are minimal.

not similar in any respect

Highlights the absence of similarity in any aspect or detail.

dissimilar in every way

Stresses a complete divergence, with differences present across all characteristics.

entirely different

Indicates a complete lack of resemblance; often used for emphasis.

nothing in common

Highlights the absence of shared characteristics or qualities.

bear no resemblance

Emphasizes the lack of visual or superficial similarities.

worlds apart

Figuratively expresses a vast difference, often in terms of values or experiences.

poles apart

Similar to "worlds apart", suggesting extreme opposition or dissimilarity.

distinctly unalike

Highlights the clear and obvious lack of similarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "anything alike" to express that two or more things are not similar or comparable in any way. For example: "The two books weren't "anything alike"; one was a thriller, and the other was a romance."

What does "anything alike" mean?

"Anything alike" means not similar or comparable in any way. It emphasizes the lack of resemblance between two or more things.

What are some alternatives to "anything alike"?

Some alternatives to "anything alike" include "not at all similar", "entirely different", or "bear no resemblance".

Is it grammatically correct to say "anything alike"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "anything alike" to indicate a lack of similarity. It's commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.