be dissimilar to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be dissimilar to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more things to indicate that they are not alike or have differences. Example: "The results of the experiment were dissimilar to those obtained in previous studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Transcriptional profiles of brains from A30 mice turned out to be dissimilar to those in S30 mice.

Nature

"The takeover would not be dissimilar to the area we occupied in the gulf war," the official said.

The New York Times

So while the travelling group won't be dissimilar to the 23 we took to Scotland, the batting order might change.

Independent

Swilling booze Watching Britons drink booze abroad can't be dissimilar to witnessing the last few hours before prohibition was introduced to Chicago in 1920.

The Guardian - Film

The effect will not be dissimilar to that other place with no windows and no natural light but a whole lot of fake, painted sky: Las Vegas casinos.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The materials used for the two junction-forming layers must be dissimilar to the absorber in order to produce the built-in electric field and to carry the electric current.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The culmination of such efforts I don't think is dissimilar to the birthing process.

The Guardian - Music

The cities of today present requirements that are dissimilar to those of the past.

Environmental Pollution

"The show is dissimilar to end-of-year shows held at other universities, mainly because the collaboration is among students not faculty," said Lewis, FSAD associate professor.

Cornell University

The NCGC toxic set is dissimilar to both the Scripps IC50 toxic and non-toxic compounds.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Consumers whose needs are dissimilar to the majority are more likely to shop online (Choi and Bell 2011).

Fashion and Textiles

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dissimilar to", ensure you clearly articulate the specific aspects in which the subjects differ. This provides clarity and strengthens your comparison.

Common error

Avoid unintentionally implying similarity when you mean dissimilarity. Double-check your sentence structure to ensure the subjects are clearly presented as differing, not resembling, each other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dissimilar to" functions as a comparative expression, indicating a lack of resemblance or similarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI showcases its usage across various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be dissimilar to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing differences between two or more things. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its suitability across varied contexts, particularly in scientific and news media publications. While alternatives like "differ from" exist, "be dissimilar to" offers a distinct nuance, often implying a more significant divergence. Understanding its function and communicative purpose enhances precision in writing, making it a valuable asset for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differ from

Focuses on the aspect of difference, highlighting a divergence in characteristics.

are unlike

A simple and direct way to state that two things are not similar.

vary from

Emphasizes the range of differences, suggesting a spectrum of variation.

contrast with

Highlights the differences by placing the items in opposition to each other.

diverge from

Implies a branching out or deviation from a common point or standard.

are distinct from

Highlights the clear and recognizable differences between items.

bear no resemblance to

Stresses the complete absence of similarity or likeness.

stand apart from

Highlights distinctiveness and separation from others in a group.

lack resemblance to

Similar to bearing no resemblance, but slightly less emphatic.

show no similarity to

A more formal way of saying that something does not resemble something else.

FAQs

How can I use "be dissimilar to" in a sentence?

Use "be dissimilar to" to show differences between two or more things. For example: "The taste of this fruit is "dissimilar to" any I have ever tried before."

What are some alternatives to "be dissimilar to"?

You can use alternatives such as "differ from", "vary from", or "are unlike" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "be different from" or "be dissimilar to"?

Both "be different from" and "be dissimilar to" are correct, but "be different from" is often considered more common and less formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the nuance between "be dissimilar to" and "be distinct from"?

"Be dissimilar to" generally implies a broader range of differences, while "be distinct from" suggests clear, easily recognizable differences. "Be distinct from" often emphasizes unique characteristics.