are unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unlike" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more things that are different from each other. Example: "Cats and dogs are unlike in their behavior and social interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Songs are unlike literature," he says.

The New Yorker

Airships are unlike other engineering pursuits.

The New Yorker

Last messages are unlike last words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ace schools are unlike any others.

The Guardian - Opinion

University museums are unlike other museums.

The New York Times - Arts

The Yankees are unlike any other sports organization.

The New York Times - Sports

-=-=-= The Zetas are unlike other Mexican crime groups.

The New Yorker

The proceedings in a capital trial are unlike any other.

The New York Times - Magazine

The streets in Hanoi are unlike anything I'd seen before.

The New York Times - Travel

Belgian Blues are unlike any cows you've ever seen.

The New York Times

Her ears are unlike any ears I have ever seen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are unlike" to clearly highlight differences between two or more subjects. Ensure the context provides a basis for comparison, making the distinction meaningful and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "are unlike" when referring to a single item. This phrase is for comparisons. For example, instead of saying "This apple are unlike", specify what it's unlike: "This apple are unlike the others in the basket".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unlike" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject of a sentence to indicate dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used to draw comparisons that highlight differences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are unlike" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to emphasize the differences between two or more subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and frequently employed across various contexts. Predominantly used in News & Media and Science, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. Its function is to explicitly distinguish or differentiate, making it a valuable tool for clear and precise writing. To enhance your writing, ensure the context for comparison is evident and avoid using it when referring to a single item. Consider alternatives such as "differ from" or "are dissimilar to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ from

This alternative emphasizes the act of being different in specific aspects.

are dissimilar to

This highlights a lack of similarity, focusing on the absence of common characteristics.

are distinct from

This emphasizes the separateness and uniqueness of the compared items.

bear no resemblance to

This indicates a complete lack of similarity or likeness.

contrast with

This highlights differences when compared side by side.

stand apart from

This suggests a noticeable difference and uniqueness, setting something aside from others.

deviate from

This implies a divergence from a standard or norm.

vary from

This denotes differences in degree or nature.

diverge from

This suggests a branching off or moving in a different direction.

are at odds with

This suggests an opposition or conflict in nature or character.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "are unlike"?

You can use alternatives like "differ from", "are dissimilar to", or "contrast with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "are unlike" in a sentence?

Use "are unlike" to compare two or more things, emphasizing their differences. For example: "Cats and dogs are unlike in their social behavior". Ensure the subjects of comparison are clearly identified.

What is the difference between "are unlike" and "are different"?

While both indicate dissimilarity, "are unlike" often suggests a more fundamental or qualitative difference, whereas "are different" can simply indicate a distinction. Using "are unlike" implies that the items being compared do not share essential characteristics, while "are different" may mean that they just have varying traits.

Is it grammatically correct to use "are unlike"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "are unlike" when comparing two or more entities. It functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subjects' dissimilarity. Ensure that the verb "are" agrees with the plural subjects.