is not akin to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not akin to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something does not have any similarity or connection to something else. For example: "A pencil is not akin to a hammer; they have very different purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

This is not akin to leafleting at a political opponent's rally.

The Economist

This is not akin to giving each team a soft penalty to even the score.

The Guardian - Sport

But in the current circumstances, leaving the euro is not akin to abandoning the standard as Britain did in 1931.

The Economist

In any case, your taking this job is not akin to sneaking into a local I.T. firm and squirting Krazy Glue into its door locks.

The New York Times - Magazine

BRIDGET SMITH San Francisco A person who withholds his transgender identity on a date is not akin to one who withholds his S.T.D. status.

The New York Times

Happily, what you are doing is innocuous; it is not akin to telling your kids they're going to Disneyland and then taking them to the dentist.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

What I said when I announced the squad is that it will be more difficult for the Rangers players to get into the international team because the standard in the Third Division isn't akin to international football.

The Guardian - Sport

Tusk acknowledges that working on the Alibaba IPO isn't akin to managing the "deal flow you'd see at Wilson Sonsini," a law firm that has long and famously worked with startups.

TechCrunch

This isn't akin to suggesting customers of a main street bank choose the bank manager.

HuffPost

Watching them isn't akin to witnessing a trained chimpanzee trying to explain quantum physics.

Huffington Post

Don't get it twisted; such an act isn't akin to an expungement or a repeal of guilt.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not akin to" to draw a distinction between two concepts, ideas, or objects, highlighting their fundamental differences. This phrase is especially useful when addressing potential misconceptions or oversimplified comparisons.

Common error

While "is not akin to" is generally suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts, avoid using it in very casual settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is not the same as" or "is different from" in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not akin to" functions as a comparative expression, specifically to highlight a lack of similarity between two subjects. It is often used to clarify potential misconceptions or oversimplified comparisons. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not akin to" serves as a precise tool for distinguishing between concepts or entities that might be superficially similar. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing styles. While predominantly found in formal and academic contexts, it's crucial to be mindful of the register and choose simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Remember to focus on the underlying differences to avoid misleading comparisons. Usage analysis indicates a prevalence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", with prominent sources including The New York Times and The Guardian. By considering both its linguistic function and contextual appropriateness, you can effectively employ "is not akin to" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not equivalent to

Emphasizes the lack of equality or interchangeability between two items or concepts.

is not comparable to

Indicates that two things cannot be reasonably compared due to significant differences.

is not analogous to

Suggests a lack of analogy or parallel between two things, highlighting key dissimilarities.

is not the same as

A more direct and simple way of stating that two things are different.

is distinct from

Highlights a clear and noticeable difference between two things, focusing on their separate identities.

differs from

Simply states that there's a difference.

bears no resemblance to

Stresses a complete absence of similarity in appearance or character.

is not related to

Indicates that there is no relation or connection between two things.

is unrelated to

A variant of 'is not related to', suggesting a lack of connection.

is not connected to

Expresses the absence of any connection.

FAQs

How can I use "is not akin to" in a sentence?

Use "is not akin to" to indicate that two things are fundamentally different, especially when they might be superficially compared. For example, "Applying a bandage is not akin to treating the underlying cause of the injury."

What are some alternatives to "is not akin to"?

You can use alternatives like "is not comparable to", "is not equivalent to", or "is distinct from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is not akin to" formal or informal?

"Is not akin to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "is not the same as".

What is the difference between "is not akin to" and "is not related to"?

"Is not akin to" emphasizes a lack of fundamental similarity, while "is not related to" simply indicates a lack of connection. Using "is not akin to" suggests a stronger distinction than using "is not related to".