bear a resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear a resemblance" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to have a similarity or likeness to something else. It is typically used to describe physical or visual similarities, but can also be used in a more abstract sense. Example: "The new building bears a striking resemblance to the old one, with its tall columns and ornate architecture." In this sentence, "bear a resemblance" is used to describe the similarity between the two buildings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Did the French experience bear a resemblance to Rooseveltian progressivism?

The New Yorker

The front and back of the new cars bear a resemblance to stylized jack-o'-lanterns.

The New York Times

High hands at the top of his backswing bear a resemblance to Phil Mickelson.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, the tannins, acidity and dark flavors in aglianico bear a resemblance to the great Piemontese wine.

The New York Times - Food

Still, a wrong choice could make your career bear a resemblance to your weekend activities -- headed downhill fast.

The New York Times

It has been claimed that house martins bear a resemblance to another charismatic creature: the killer whale.

The Guardian

And Miu Miu's new Rasoir sunglasses bear a resemblance to Glass, with their frame across the top of the eyes that cuts away below.

The New York Times

The details of some are questionable, but some, such as those of Sinornithosaurus and other basal dromaeosaurs, bear a resemblance to modern pennaceous feathers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Swiss banks' hierarchies, for instance, used to bear a resemblance to those of the country's army, with strong connections between the two.

The Economist

The brachiopods (lamp shells) are a group of marine filter-feeding species that bear a resemblance to clams but are not mollusks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hodgkinson's drawings and helter-skelter text bear a resemblance to Lauren Child's "Charlie and Lola" books, but this story's happy ending is very much its own.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the register of your writing. While "bear a resemblance" is appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, more informal options like "look like" or "seem similar" might be preferable in casual settings.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "bear a resemblance" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "looks like" or "is similar to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a resemblance" functions as a verb phrase indicating a similarity between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe likeness, often in physical or visual terms. Examples show its application in various contexts, from architectural designs to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bear a resemblance" is a common and grammatically sound way to express similarity between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies having a likeness or shared characteristics. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, reflecting its utility in objective descriptions and comparisons. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register, making alternatives like "look like" more suitable for casual settings. When using "bear a resemblance", ensure clarity in your comparison by specifying the shared attributes. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing while maintaining the appropriate tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemble

Direct synonym; slightly more concise.

look like

Emphasizes visual similarity; more informal.

have similarities

Focuses on shared traits or features.

share characteristics

Highlights common attributes or qualities.

have features in common

Stresses shared elements or aspects.

are akin to

Suggests a close relationship or similarity.

echo

Implies a reflective or reminiscent quality.

parallel

Highlights corresponding or analogous elements.

approximate to

Indicates an approach to a similar form.

correspond with

Suggests a direct alignment or equivalence.

FAQs

How can I use "bear a resemblance" in a sentence?

Use "bear a resemblance" to indicate that two or more things share similar qualities or characteristics. For example, "The new design "bears a resemblance" to the original model, but with modern updates."

What are some alternatives to "bear a resemblance"?

You can use alternatives such as "resemble", "look like", "have similarities", or "share characteristics" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "bear a resemblance" or "look like"?

"Bear a resemblance" is generally considered more formal than ""look like"". The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing.

What's the difference between "bear a resemblance" and "have a resemblance"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "bear a resemblance" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "Have a resemblance" is less frequently used but still understandable.