bears resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

"bears resemblance" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a similarity or likeness between two things. Example: The new building bears a striking resemblance to the old one, with its white columns and red brick facade.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This chromosome bears resemblance to the 5S rDNA-bearing A. pskemense chromosome.

BMC Plant Biology

In some ways, however, the Republican contest bears resemblance to the Democratic primaries of 1988.

The New York Times

It also bears resemblance to the work of French New Wave directors Jacques Rivette and Eric Rohmer.

The Guardian - Film

The situation bears resemblance to abnormal grain growth in Fe 3 wt% Si alloys, where special properties are attributed to Σ9 boundaries.

Acta Materialia

While there is some truth to that, it hasn't gone unnoticed that the plot bears resemblance to Allen's recent personal troubles.

Independent

The blunder bears resemblance to the infamous comments by Gerald Ratner, the former chief executive of British jewellery company Ratners Group, in which he mocked his own products.

The Telegraph

Furthermore, Millions bears resemblance to lots of other stories, as they are all based on a folk tale and then modernized.

The Guardian

Even the rooftop, a slab of concrete topped with grass that was displaced by construction, bears resemblance to ancient Icelandic turf houses — structures built into grassy hills, using the land as walls.

The New York Times

Their idealisation of what comprises "the west" hardly bears resemblance to a place shared with the Harlem Renaissance, Angela Carter, Bauhaus architecture, Wendy Carlos, Karl Marx and the KLF - or indeed, any aesthetic system they themselves do not like.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the northern fringe of the French Quarter, Tremé, also known as Faubourg Tremé, bears resemblance to a well-to-do Caribbean community, with pastel-colored Creole and shotgun-style cottages and Greek Revival-style homes lining narrow shaded streets.

The New York Times - Travel

One of Lit's more popular nights is Monday, when the actor Leo Fitzpatrick works the turntable downstairs in the cramped, cavelike basement that still bears resemblance to a boiler room.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bears resemblance", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The architecture of the new museum bears resemblance to the style of Frank Lloyd Wright."

Common error

Avoid using "bears resemblance" when the similarity is extremely vague or superficial. This phrase implies a noticeable and significant likeness, not just a minor similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears resemblance" functions as a linking verb phrase. It connects a subject with a description of its similarity to something else. This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is commonly used to describe a likeness between two things.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

44%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bears resemblance" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote similarity between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing likeness. It appears frequently in science, news, and wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure a clear definition of compared subjects and avoid using the phrase for minor or superficial similarities. Alternatives like "is similar to" or "is akin to" can provide nuanced variations. Overall, it’s a versatile phrase for expressing relationships, as supported by the many examples provided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Focuses on the general likeness between two things; less emphasis on visual similarity.

is akin to

Suggests a close relationship or similarity in nature or quality; slightly more formal.

is reminiscent of

Implies that something evokes memories or associations of something else.

mirrors

Highlights a direct or close correspondence, as if one reflects the other.

corresponds to

Emphasizes a direct parallel or equivalence between two things.

is comparable to

Suggests that two things can be compared favorably; implies similarities worth noting.

has features in common with

Highlights shared characteristics without necessarily implying a strong overall similarity.

echoes

Implies that one thing contains qualities or characteristics that are reminiscent of another, often with a sense of repetition or continuation.

is analogous to

Suggests a similarity based on a comparison of relationships or structures.

approximates

Indicates that something is close to or nearly the same as something else, without being identical.

FAQs

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

Use "bears resemblance" to indicate that something is similar to something else. For instance, "This painting "bears resemblance" to Van Gogh's style".

What are some alternatives to "bears resemblance"?

You can use phrases like "is similar to", "is akin to", or "is reminiscent of" instead of "bears resemblance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "bears resemblance" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe similarities. However, ensure the context aligns with the level of formality.

What's the difference between "bears resemblance" and "resembles"?

"Bears resemblance" is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "resembles". While both indicate similarity, ""bears resemblance"" suggests a more significant or striking likeness.