bears a certain resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bears a certain resemblance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something looks similar to or has characteristics in common with something else. Example: "The new painting bears a certain resemblance to the artist's earlier works, showcasing similar themes and color palettes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The character of the narrator bears a certain resemblance to me.

The New Yorker

In that, it bears a certain resemblance to the congressional Republicans' lawsuit against President Barack Obama.

The New Yorker

The harmonic rotation bears a certain resemblance to that of "Sadko," though in a tragic mode.

The New Yorker

We don't travel much, it's true, and when we do it bears a certain resemblance to Hannibal crossing the Alps.

The New York Times

One of the killer dolls in the show's continuously looping snuff video bears a certain resemblance to Mr. Melgaard himself.

The New York Times - Arts

Both are dark-haired and telegenic: Görges bears a certain resemblance to both the former U.S. tennis star Mary Joe Fernández and the actress Sandra Bullock.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Parke Woll" — collaborators who bear a certain resemblance to F. Scott Fitzgerald when he was successful.

The New York Times - Books

For what it is worth, from an aerial perspective, the land masses bear a certain resemblance to feral footprints.

The New York Times

This match bore a certain resemblance to her quarterfinal at the French Open, when she faced Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The New York Times - Sports

Peter builds a snowman, which "bore a certain resemblance to the Führer and Chancellor of the Third Reich".

The New Yorker

He did grow up there, and defending torture does, arguably, bear a certain resemblance to booing Santa, but still — that seems like an awfully low bar.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears a certain resemblance" to subtly indicate a likeness without claiming exact similarity. This is useful when discussing nuanced comparisons, where a strong assertion of similarity might be inaccurate.

Common error

Avoid using "bears a certain resemblance" when the similarity is obvious and significant. In such cases, a stronger phrase like "is identical to" or "closely resembles" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears a certain resemblance" functions as a linking verb phrase expressing a similarity or likeness between two subjects. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is used to indicate that one thing shares some characteristics with another. The degree of similarity is qualified by the word "certain", suggesting a moderate or limited likeness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bears a certain resemblance" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a partial or qualified similarity between two things. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and common usage in reputable sources make it a reliable choice for expressing nuanced comparisons. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, and its neutral to formal register makes it appropriate for a variety of writing situations. While not interchangeable with stronger terms like "is identical to", it provides a useful way to suggest a likeness without overstating the case.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shows some similarity

Emphasizes a degree of likeness, but is less specific than indicating a 'certain' resemblance.

exhibits a partial likeness

Highlights that the similarity is incomplete or limited to certain aspects.

has features in common

Focuses on shared characteristics without implying a comprehensive likeness.

is somewhat comparable to

Suggests a basis for comparison, but allows for significant differences.

shares characteristics with

Emphasizes that it has something in common without fully being alike

presents a degree of correspondence

Indicates an alignment or matching in some respects, often in a more formal context.

has parallel elements

Shows the two elements are aligned

mirrors in some aspects

Highlights some qualities that reflect the original

bears a faint similarity

Highlights the similarity is not immediately apparent and maybe weak

is reminiscent of

Subtly evokes memories of the original but does not necessarily bear a resemblance

FAQs

How can I use "bears a certain resemblance" in a sentence?

Use "bears a certain resemblance" to suggest a similarity between two things that isn't exact or complete. For example: "The plot of this movie "bears a certain resemblance" to a classic fairy tale."

What are some alternatives to "bears a certain resemblance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "shows some similarity", "has features in common", or "is somewhat comparable to", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "bears a certain resemblance" in formal writing?

Yes, "bears a certain resemblance" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a nuanced way to indicate similarity without being overly assertive. However, consider stronger alternatives if the similarity is substantial.

What's the difference between "bears a striking resemblance" and "bears a certain resemblance"?

"Bears a striking resemblance" indicates a very noticeable and significant similarity, while ""bears a certain resemblance"" suggests a more subtle or partial similarity. The choice depends on the degree of likeness you want to emphasize.