bear no resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear no resemblance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two things are very different and have no similarities or similarities at all. For example: - "The new version of the book bears no resemblance to the original. The plot and characters have completely changed." - "The sculpture bears no resemblance to the artist's usual style. It's a unique piece for this exhibition." - "John bears no resemblance to his brother, they look like complete opposites." - "The hotel I booked online bears no resemblance to the actual pictures. It's much smaller and less luxurious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Lifestyle

Arts

Opinion

Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Italy bear no resemblance to Portugal.

The Guardian - Sport

But these Lakers bear no resemblance to those Suns.

The New York Times - Sports

(The printed schedules bear no resemblance to reality).

The New York Times

Most actual days bear no resemblance to this whatsoever.

The Guardian - Books

Board elections bear no resemblance to democratic elections.

The New York Times

The players returning home tomorrow afternoon will bear no resemblance.

The New York Times - Sports

"Flesh" colours bear no resemblance to my flesh, either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

People like him bear no resemblance to Richie Rich.

The New York Times - Magazine

In most cases, the web address will bear no resemblance to your bank's.

Independent

Meanwhile others dream of children who bear no resemblance to them whatsoever.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever decision Barack Obama makes on Syria will bear no resemblance to Afghanistan, Iraq or Libya.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bear no resemblance", ensure that the context clearly establishes the two subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "bear no resemblance" when you simply want to indicate a slight difference. This phrase implies a complete absence of similarity, so it's crucial to reserve it for situations where differences are significant and unmistakable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear no resemblance" functions as a declarative statement asserting a complete lack of similarity between two subjects. It is used to emphasize the distinct nature of one thing compared to another, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bear no resemblance" is a versatile phrase used to express a complete lack of similarity between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news and media, where clear distinctions are crucial. While alternatives like "are completely dissimilar" or "have nothing in common" exist, "bear no resemblance" provides a strong and direct way to emphasize the distinct nature of items being compared. Remember to use it when the differences are significant and unmistakable, ensuring that your writing remains clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are completely dissimilar

Emphasizes total lack of similarity.

have nothing in common

Highlights the absence of shared traits or characteristics.

are entirely different

Focuses on the complete divergence between the subjects.

share no characteristics

Underscores the absence of shared attributes.

are worlds apart

Uses a metaphor to describe a significant difference or separation.

have no parallel

Suggests that there's no comparable example.

stand in stark contrast

Highlights a significant and noticeable difference.

diverge completely

Indicates a total separation in development or opinion.

are poles apart

Metaphorically suggests the greatest possible difference.

differ significantly

States a notable difference between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "bear no resemblance" in a sentence?

You can use "bear no resemblance" to highlight the complete dissimilarity between two things. For example, "The sequel "bears no resemblance" to the original movie".

What are some alternatives to "bear no resemblance"?

Alternatives include "are completely dissimilar", "have nothing in common", or "are entirely different". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "bear no resemblance" or "has no resemblance"?

"Bear no resemblance" and "has no resemblance" are both acceptable. "Bear no resemblance" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.

What's the difference between "bear no resemblance" and "bear little resemblance"?

"Bear no resemblance" means there are absolutely no similarities. In contrast, "bear little resemblance" indicates that there are some similarities, but they are few and insignificant.