completely unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely unlike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that two things are entirely different from each other. Example: "The two paintings are completely unlike each other in style and technique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He's completely unlike me.

The New Yorker

It wasn't completely unlike the existence here".

The Guardian

And the best of them are completely unlike each other.

The Guardian - Books

The portrait is completely unlike what people expect of Modigliani.

The New York Times - Arts

This is completely unlike the behaviour of the electromagnetic force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paul is a candidate completely unlike any other in this field, and completely unlike any successful Republican candidate in recent memory.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's an artist almost completely unlike anyone else, so it's hardly surprising that interviewing her is almost completely unlike interviewing anyone else.

The Guardian - Music

It's incomparable, and it's completely unlike anything you've ever read before.

The Guardian

It is completely unlike another, more traditional chinoiserie bureau bookcase she is offering at the fair.

The New York Times - Arts

For this purpose he preferred dreamy, "girlie" women, completely unlike Bowen.

The Guardian - Books

Completely unlike me, as I had become over the past few months.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impact, use "completely unlike" instead of a simpler "different" to convey a stronger sense of dissimilarity.

Common error

Avoid using "completely unlike" for minor differences. Reserve it for situations where the contrast is significant and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely unlike" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It emphasizes the dissimilarity between two or more subjects, indicating that they share virtually no common characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely unlike" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that functions as a modifier to emphasize a stark contrast between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, supported by numerous examples. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media contexts, showing its appropriateness across various registers. When seeking alternatives, consider "totally dissimilar" or "entirely different" to convey similar meanings. Remember to reserve "completely unlike" for significant contrasts to avoid overuse and ensure impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally dissimilar

Emphasizes the lack of similarity in a comprehensive way.

entirely different

Highlights a comprehensive divergence without any overlap.

utterly distinct

Underscores a clear and pronounced difference.

poles apart

Figuratively indicates being at opposite extremes.

worlds away

Implies a great distance or difference in character.

bears no resemblance

Directly states the absence of similarity.

sharply contrasted

Highlights the notable differences when compared.

dissimilar in every respect

Signifies dissimilarity across all features or aspects.

nothing alike

A simple way of stating that two subjects share no similarities.

as different as night and day

A common idiom that stresses a clear and unmistakable difference.

FAQs

How can I use "completely unlike" in a sentence?

You can use "completely unlike" to highlight significant differences between two subjects. For example: "His personality is "completely unlike" his brother's."

What are some alternatives to saying "completely unlike"?

Alternatives include "totally dissimilar", "entirely different", or "utterly distinct". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely unlike"?

While "unlike" already implies a difference, using "completely unlike" emphasizes the magnitude of that difference. It's not always redundant, but consider whether the emphasis is necessary for your context.

What's the difference between "completely unlike" and "somewhat unlike"?

"Completely unlike" signifies a total absence of similarity, while "somewhat unlike" indicates there are some differences, but also some similarities. The choice depends on the degree of dissimilarity you want to express.