he resembles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he resembles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has a similar appearance or characteristics to another person or thing. Example: "In many ways, he resembles his father, especially in his mannerisms and sense of humor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Initially one feels startled by how little he resembles Nixon but his acting overcomes the lack of physical resemblance.

Huffington Post

In that, he resembles MacDonald.

Independent

He resembles Paul.

The New York Times - Sports

(He resembles David Hockney in this regard).

The New York Times - Arts

He resembles Vespasian mostly in facial shape and attitude.

The New Yorker

In repose, he resembles a king-sized ventriloquist's dummy.

The New Yorker

Some say he resembles a Puerto Rican Sylvester Stallone.

The New York Times

Older family members remark how he resembles Great-Grandfather Pantzar.

The New York Times

He resembles Rodin's Thinker more than a humbled pilgrim.

The New York Times

Smoking and lean, he resembles a paragliding Mick Jagger.

The Guardian - Travel

In that respect, he resembles Steven P. Jobs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he resembles", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to your context. Specify who or what he resembles to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he resembles" without specifying who or what is being resembled. An incomplete comparison can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he resembles" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a noun or noun phrase that describes who or what the subject shares similarities with. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he resembles" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to express similarity between a person and another entity. Ludwig confirms its correctness and demonstrates its widespread use in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that the comparison is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "he looks like" or "he is similar to" depending on the nuances you want to convey. Overall, "he resembles" is a versatile and effective phrase for drawing comparisons in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he looks like

This is a more direct and common way to express visual similarity.

he is similar to

This phrase broadens the comparison to include characteristics beyond just appearance.

he favors

Implies a physical similarity, particularly in facial features.

he takes after

This idiom implies a familial resemblance, suggesting shared traits inherited from an ancestor.

he mirrors

This suggests a very close resemblance, as if one is a reflection of the other.

he is reminiscent of

This phrase conveys that someone evokes memories or feelings associated with another person.

he is akin to

Suggests a similarity in nature or essence, rather than just appearance.

he approximates

This suggests an imperfect resemblance, where someone shares some but not all characteristics.

he emulates

This implies that someone intentionally tries to resemble another person, often through imitation.

he has the air of

Focuses on an impression or general quality that suggests a resemblance, not necessarily a visual one.

FAQs

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

Use "he resembles" to indicate a similarity in appearance or character. For instance, "He resembles his older brother in both looks and personality."

What are some alternatives to saying "he resembles"?

You can use alternatives like "he looks like", "he is similar to", or "he takes after" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he resembles" or "he is resembling"?

"He resembles" is the correct simple present tense form. "He is resembling" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where you want to express a general similarity. You may say that two buildings are resembling one another more closely, but is not standard for describing how an individual relates to a static object.

What's the difference between "he resembles" and "he reminds me of"?

"He resembles" implies a direct similarity in appearance or characteristics. "He reminds me of" suggests that someone evokes a memory or feeling associated with another person, not necessarily a physical resemblance.