bears some resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

"bears some resemblance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to describe a similarity between two things. For example, "The sculpture bears some resemblance to the artist's other works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Even that cavewoman prequel bears some resemblance to "Across the Sea," a divisive episode of "Lost").

The New Yorker

The mix of passengers on internal flights now bears some resemblance to Brazil, rather than Scandinavia.

The Economist

Scholars aren't sure, although he bears some resemblance to two Herakles statues by Lysippos.

The New York Times - Arts

On the surface, the piece bears some resemblance to Bourne's best work.

Independent

The platform bears some resemblance to the ones the oil industry uses to drill from.

The New York Times

Titania, who opposes her husband, Oberon, bears some resemblance to Hera of Greek mythology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The buzz: "Bears some resemblance to a version of Kraftwerk that's been turned on its head".

The Guardian - Music

In some ways, that race bears some resemblance to the Republican contest this year.

The New York Times

Tough, blunt Susan bears some resemblance to the magnificent Maine character of Olive Kitteridge.

The New York Times - Books

Eskimo pottery, which is generally rather crude, bears some resemblance to early Asiatic types.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This last play bears some resemblance to Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bears some resemblance" when you want to indicate a partial or noticeable, but not complete, similarity between two subjects. For instance, "This new policy bears some resemblance to the previous one, but with key modifications."

Common error

Avoid using "bears some resemblance" when the similarity is very strong or nearly identical. In such cases, use phrases like "is identical to" or "is the same as" to accurately reflect the degree of similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bears some resemblance" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It asserts a degree of similarity between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bears some resemblance" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a partial similarity between two subjects. As Ludwig AI accurately points out, it’s suitable for various contexts, from formal writing to more casual communication. The phrase is commonly used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When employing this phrase, ensure that the degree of similarity is accurately represented. Alternatives like "shares certain similarities" or "has aspects in common" can be used for similar meanings, while remembering that overstating the connection can be a common mistake. This phrase is a valuable tool for nuanced communication, allowing you to highlight similarities without implying exact equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shares certain similarities

Emphasizes shared characteristics or features between two things.

has aspects in common

Highlights the existence of common elements or attributes.

exhibits a likeness

Indicates a visual or superficial similarity.

is somewhat analogous

Suggests a parallel or comparable relationship.

presents a parallel

Highlights a similarity in development, structure, or function.

shows an affinity

Indicates a natural liking or connection.

echoes certain traits

Suggests a faint or indirect similarity in character or qualities.

aligns in some respects

Highlights similarities in particular areas or aspects.

is vaguely reminiscent

Indicates a slight or suggestive similarity that evokes a memory or feeling.

suggests a connection

Implies a possible relationship or link between two things.

FAQs

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

Use "bears some resemblance" to indicate a partial similarity between two things. For example, "The new design "bears some resemblance" to the original, but it has been updated with modern features."

What are some alternatives to "bears some resemblance"?

You can use alternatives such as "shares certain similarities", "has aspects in common", or "exhibits a likeness" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bore some resemblance" instead of "bears some resemblance"?

"Bore some resemblance" is the past tense of the phrase and is correct when referring to a past event or state. "Bears some resemblance" is used in the present tense.

What's the difference between "bears some resemblance" and "is identical to"?

"Bears some resemblance" implies a partial similarity, while "is identical to" indicates that two things are exactly the same. The first suggests a likeness, while the second implies equivalence.