hardly resembling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hardly resembling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something bears very little similarity to something else. Example: "The painting was hardly resembling the original masterpiece, showcasing a completely different style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Despite hardly resembling the artists' name, the tribute was painted nearby Bowie's former apartment on Lafayette Street.

Independent

Rodriguez has made little impact on the Yankees in his late-summer cameo, hardly resembling what he is: a catcher with Cooperstown credentials.

The New York Times - Sports

The Mets had looked woeful in losing to the Brewers on Wednesday night, hardly resembling the playoff contenders they believe themselves to be, and Valentine wanted to refocus his disoriented team on the simple goal of playing solid baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

In their first 4 games post-Ike, they mustered 12 hits, 4 runs and no victories, hardly resembling the club that clobbered 16 home runs while winning 14 of 15 games before the hurricane hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Griffin dunked over Mason Plumlee three times on the way to 19 points as well as 12 rebounds and six assists, hardly resembling someone who had recently been sidelined more than three months.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That Tyson hardly resembles the current version.

The New York Times - Sports

Kasparov's demeanor hardly resembles Sakharov's saintly carriage.

The New Yorker

Another screams: "German, Hitler, Nazi! German dog!"The policemen hardly resemble vicious camp-guards.

The Economist

On the surface, "The Wrecker" could hardly resemble a Borges story less.

The New York Times

He spoke about the development of the Bears' offense, which hardly resembles a typical Martz production.

The New York Times - Sports

The clubhouse Cherington gave him hardly resembled the dysfunctional, overmatched group under his predecessor, Bobby Valentine.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hardly resembling" to emphasize a significant difference or transformation between two subjects or states. This phrase is effective in highlighting contrast and change.

Common error

Avoid using "hardly resembling" when a closer resemblance exists. This phrase is most impactful when the difference is substantial and noticeable; using it for minor variations can dilute its effect and make the comparison seem exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hardly resembling" functions as a qualifier, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a weak or distant connection between two things being compared. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hardly resembling" is a grammatically sound construction used to convey a significant lack of similarity between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples highlight its use in news, sports, and general contexts to emphasize contrast. While the phrase is not overly common, it provides a nuanced way to express a notable divergence. Alternatives include phrases like "bears little resemblance to" or "scarcely akin to", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely similar to

Focuses on a minimal level of similarity, intensifying the lack of resemblance.

bears little resemblance to

Emphasizes the scarcity of shared characteristics.

scarcely akin to

Highlights the difference in nature or quality.

tenuously related to

Suggests a connection that is weak and easily broken.

vaguely analogous to

Implies a slight and imprecise comparison.

remotely connected to

Indicates a distant association or link.

distantly alludes to

Points to an indirect or subtle reference.

nominally associated with

Suggests a formal or superficial link.

ostensibly comparable to

Highlights a resemblance that may not be entirely genuine.

purportedly akin to

Implies a claim of similarity that may be doubtful.

FAQs

How can I use "hardly resembling" in a sentence?

You can use "hardly resembling" to emphasize a stark contrast or significant change. For example, "After the renovation, the house was "hardly resembling" its original state".

What are some alternatives to "hardly resembling"?

Alternatives include "bears little resemblance to", "scarcely akin to", or "remotely connected to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "hardly resembling" and "closely resembling"?

"Hardly resembling" indicates a significant lack of similarity, emphasizing the differences. Conversely, "closely resembling" suggests a strong similarity, highlighting the commonalities. They are near opposites in meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not resembling" instead of "hardly resembling"?

Yes, "not resembling" is grammatically correct. However, "hardly resembling" adds emphasis to the lack of similarity, suggesting a more pronounced difference than a simple "not resembling".