he resembled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he resembled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing someone's appearance or characteristics to another person or thing. Example: "In many ways, he resembled his father, especially in his mannerisms and smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He resembled a wilting leprechaun.

The New Yorker

He resembled the 'Moses' sculpted by Michelangelo".

The New Yorker

Clark Kent (whom he resembled).

The New York Times

He resembled a vulture on a perch, scanning for carrion.

The New York Times - Arts

In more than one way, he resembled Wagner.

The New Yorker

Silhouetted in the doorway, he resembled a wrestler.

The New Yorker

And John, she says, always thought he resembled her grandfather.

The New York Times - Magazine

He resembled photographs of a pensive Walter Benjamin.

The New Yorker

He resembled a Victorian plant hunter, ready for the jungle.

The New Yorker

He resembled a boy leapfrogging a parking meter.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In that, he resembles MacDonald.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he resembled" to subtly suggest similarities in appearance, manner, or character between individuals or between a person and an object or concept. This can add depth and nuance to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "he resembled" when a more direct and simple comparison would suffice. Sometimes, phrases like "he looked like" or "he was like" are more effective and less verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he resembled" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, primarily used to indicate a similarity in appearance or characteristics between two subjects. Examples from Ludwig showcase diverse comparisons, such as "he resembled a wilting leprechaun" or "he resembled a vulture on a perch".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he resembled" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to draw comparisons, primarily in written English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources. While alternatives such as "he looked like" exist, "he resembled" offers a nuanced descriptive option. When employing the phrase, ensure it adds meaningful detail and avoids unnecessary complexity. Always check, if needed, the multiple real world examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he looked like

Focuses on visual similarity, a more direct comparison of appearance.

he bore a resemblance to

A more formal way of saying someone looked similar to another.

he was reminiscent of

Highlights that someone's features or behavior brought something else to mind.

he had the air of

Emphasizes manner or general impression rather than precise physical likeness.

he could have been

Suggests a hypothetical likeness or potential resemblance.

he mirrored

Implies a direct and close similarity, as in a reflection.

he echoed

Suggests a similarity in style, manner, or characteristics.

he gave the impression of

Focuses on the feeling or idea that someone conveyed.

he was akin to

A more formal expression indicating similarity or relatedness.

he approximated

Suggests a rough or inexact similarity.

FAQs

How can I use "he resembled" in a sentence?

You can use "he resembled" to draw a comparison between someone's appearance or characteristics and another person, object, or concept. For instance, "he resembled a statue in his stillness".

What are some alternatives to "he resembled"?

Alternatives include phrases like "he looked like", "he reminded me of", or "he had the look of", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he resembled to"?

No, the correct phrasing is "he resembled" without the preposition "to". You would say, "he resembled his father", not "he resembled to his father".

What is the difference between "he resembled" and "he imitated"?

"He resembled" means he looked or seemed similar to someone or something, while "he imitated" means he copied someone's actions or behavior. For example, "he resembled his grandfather in appearance", but "he imitated his grandfather's walk".