are alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are alike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more subjects share similarities or characteristics. Example: "The two paintings are alike in their use of color and style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Superficially, they are alike.

The Economist

All cities are alike.

The New York Times

But people are alike.

The Guardian

No two are alike.

The New York Times - Science

No happy families are alike.

The New Yorker

They are alike yet different.

The New Yorker

No two cases are alike.

Independent

Not all tents are alike.

Independent

No two salads are alike.

The New York Times

No two trees are alike.

The New Yorker

But not all liberals are alike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are alike", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "the twins are alike" rather than just "they are alike".

Common error

Avoid using "alike" when referring to a single entity. "Alike" requires a comparison between two or more subjects. Instead of saying "this one is alike", rephrase to compare it with something else, such as "this one is like that one".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are alike" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the subject of a sentence. It indicates a state of similarity or resemblance between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are alike" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote similarities between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and widely applicable. Its function as a predicate adjective makes it useful for comparing subjects across various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discourse. While alternatives like "are similar" and "have similarities" exist, "are alike" provides a direct and clear way to express resemblance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are similar

Focuses on the degree of resemblance rather than exact likeness.

have similarities

General way of pointing out that resemblances exist between subjects.

are equivalent

Stresses the equal value or function of the subjects.

are comparable

Highlights the ability to compare and find similarities.

bear resemblance

More formal way of saying "are similar", emphasizing visual likeness.

have commonalities

Highlights shared aspects or features.

are analogous

Implies a deeper, more structural similarity or parallel.

share characteristics

Highlights the shared traits or features between the subjects.

are identical

Indicates a complete and exact match, with no differences.

correspond to each other

Suggests a relationship or connection resulting in similar attributes.

FAQs

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

Use "are alike" to indicate that two or more things share similar qualities or characteristics. For example, "The two sisters "are alike" in their love for music".

What phrases can I use instead of "are alike"?

You can use alternatives such as "are similar", "are comparable", or "have similarities" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is alike"?

No, "is alike" is grammatically incorrect. "Alike" requires a plural subject or a compound subject connected by "and". The correct phrasing would be "are alike" when referring to multiple subjects, or "is similar" when referring to a single subject.

What is the difference between "are alike" and "are the same"?

"Are alike" implies a resemblance or similarity, while "are the same" indicates an exact match or identical nature. For example, "The twins "are alike"" suggests they share similar features, while "The twins "are the same"" suggests they are indistinguishable.