distinctly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize a clear resemblance or similarity between two things. Example: "The painting is distinctly like the works of Van Gogh, with its vibrant colors and swirling brushstrokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

YouGov's sampling suggests the typical viewer (who mostly sounds distinctly like Paxman) is 60-plus, male, ABC1, works in government or civil service and lives in the south-east or Yorkshire.

The Guardian

Now, the voice sounds distinctly like that of Mr. Polanski.

The New York Times

The room was starting to smell distinctly like him.

The New York Times - Sports

Something in the Flushing air now smells distinctly like 2004.

The New York Times

And his overhead goal Wednesday, born of audacity and invention, felt distinctly like an expression of this character.

The New York Times

The result is a guesthouse that looks distinctly like a three-bay garage, at least from the outside.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Despite its coral-like appearance, Thelephora palmata is closely related to some fungi with a distinctly bracket-like appearance, such as T. terrestris and T. caryophyllea.

Wikipedia

Many social democratic parties in Europe have a distinctly Blair-like approach to triangulation – both to the left (with strong challengers like Die Linke in Germany and the Socialist party in the Netherlands) and the far right.

The Guardian - Opinion

"One never knows," he said, sounding distinctly politician-like.

The New York Times

Why?" Later, he started screaming in a distinctly beagle-like fashion.

The New Yorker

The result is certainly festive, not least the virtual singer whose tone is distinctly elf-like.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly like" when you want to clearly and emphatically point out a similarity that is easily perceived. For example, "His new song sounded "distinctly like" a cover of an old classic."

Common error

While appropriate for many situations, avoid overusing "distinctly like" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to describe the nature and degree of similarity to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly like" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or adjective, emphasizing the clarity and obviousness of a similarity. As Ludwig AI points out, it highlights a resemblance that is easily perceived.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctly like" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that emphasizes a clear and obvious similarity. It's most common in news and media contexts, where its descriptive function is valuable. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct for expressing resemblances, although it is advisable to vary your language when writing in a very formal style. While "distinctly like" is easy to understand, users should take care to avoid overusing it and to be aware of the level of precision of the similarities described. Utilizing related phrases, such as "clearly resembles" and "strikingly similar to", can enhance writing variety and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmistakably similar to

Indicates a similarity that cannot be mistaken.

clearly resembles

Emphasizes the clarity of the resemblance.

plainly resembles

Emphasizes the simplicity and obviousness of the resemblance.

strikingly similar to

Highlights how remarkable the similarity is.

bears a strong resemblance to

Highlights the strength and significance of the resemblance.

noticeably akin to

Focuses on the ease with which the likeness can be observed.

strongly echoes

Implies a resonance or mirroring of qualities.

markedly comparable to

Suggests a significant degree of comparison.

closely mirrors

Suggests a very accurate and detailed reflection of something.

patently analogous to

Indicates that the likeness is obvious or evident.

FAQs

How can I use "distinctly like" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctly like" to emphasize a clear resemblance or similarity between two things. For example, "The melody was "distinctly like" a song from the 1960s" or "The building's architecture is "distinctly like" the Art Deco style".

What are some alternatives to "distinctly like"?

You can use alternatives like "clearly resembles", "strikingly similar to", or "noticeably akin to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "distinctly like" or "very like"?

"Distinctly like" emphasizes a clear and easily noticeable similarity, while "very like" simply indicates a strong resemblance. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the clarity of the similarity.

What is the difference between "distinctly like" and "exactly like"?

"Distinctly like" implies a noticeable but not necessarily identical resemblance, whereas "exactly like" suggests an identical or precise match. "Distinctly like" allows for some degree of difference, while "exactly like" does not.