bear a resemblance to

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear a resemblance to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the similarity between two different things. For example, "The new model of car bears a resemblance to the old model, but it has been updated with modern features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

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

When using "bear a resemblance to", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. Instead of saying "the painting bears a resemblance to art", specify which style, artist, or movement the painting resembles.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "bear a resemblance to" without providing enough context. For example, avoid saying "it bears a resemblance to something" without clarifying what that something is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear a resemblance to" functions as a linking verb phrase introducing a description of similarity. It serves to connect two subjects by asserting that one possesses qualities or characteristics that are similar to the other. Ludwig provides numerous examples that highlight this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear a resemblance to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a similarity between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse sources such as news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is specific and clear to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "resemble" and "look like" can be used for brevity, but "bear a resemblance to" provides a more formal and descriptive tone. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, incorporating "bear a resemblance to" into your writing can effectively enhance your descriptive capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemble

A more concise way of saying something looks or is similar to something else.

look like

A simpler and more direct way to express visual similarity.

share similarities with

Highlights the common attributes between the subjects being compared.

have a similarity to

Indicates a degree of likeness without being identical.

exhibit traits similar to

Focuses on specific characteristics that are alike.

correspond to

Implies a direct correlation or matching aspect.

parallel

Suggests a structural or functional alignment between the compared subjects.

mirror

Indicates a reflection or very close imitation of something.

approximate

Describes something that is close to, but not exactly the same as, something else.

echo

Suggests a subtle or less obvious similarity or reminder of something else.

FAQs

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

Use "bear a resemblance to" to point out similarities between two subjects. For instance, "The architecture of the building "bears a resemblance to" Romanesque style".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "bear a resemblance to"?

Alternatives include "resemble", "look like", or "share similarities with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "bears a resemblance to" or "has a resemblance to"?

"Bears a resemblance to" and "has a resemblance to" are both correct, but ""bears a resemblance to"" is often perceived as more formal or sophisticated in tone.

How do I choose between "bear a resemblance to" and "similar to"?

"Bear a resemblance to" implies a noticeable likeness, while "similar to" is a broader term that simply indicates some shared qualities. Use "bear a resemblance to" when the similarity is striking or noteworthy.