is unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unlike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is different from or not similar to something else. Example: "Her approach to problem-solving is unlike any I have seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is unlike that.

The New Yorker

The travel industry is unlike normal business.

Independent

Only Watch is unlike normal, commercial sales.

The New York Times

"The second door is unlike the first.

Independent

"Which is unlike the main tennis tournaments".

The New York Times

But it is unlike other markets.

The Economist

But football is unlike other businesses.

The Economist

London is unlike everywhere else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nassau's system is unlike any other.

The New York Times

It is unlike anything in this country.

The New York Times - Sports

But Cuba is unlike anyplace else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is unlike", ensure you clearly specify what two elements are being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "This approach is unlike the traditional method."

Common error

Avoid using "is unlike" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. Saying "This is unlike" leaves the reader wondering what it is different from.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unlike" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a lack of similarity or resemblance between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is unlike" is a versatile phrase used to express dissimilarity between two entities. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered across various sources, especially in news and media. When using it, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the items being compared. For more formal settings, consider synonyms such as "differs from" or "is distinct from". Keep in mind that while similar to "is different from", "is unlike" often implies a stronger contrast.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differs from

Emphasizes the aspect of difference or variation between two things.

is distinct from

Highlights the unique and separate nature of something.

bears no resemblance to

Strongly indicates a complete lack of similarity.

is dissimilar to

Formally states that two things are not alike.

is not analogous to

Suggests that something cannot be compared in a meaningful way.

contrasts with

Focuses on the differences when compared side by side.

diverges from

Implies a deviation or departure from a standard or norm.

sets itself apart from

Highlights the act of intentionally differentiating itself.

is unparalleled by

Suggests that something is unique and without equal.

departs from

Implies a move away from a typical or expected pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "is unlike" in a sentence?

Use "is unlike" to compare two distinct entities, highlighting their differences. For example, "Her teaching style "is unlike" any other professor I've had".

What's a formal alternative to "is unlike"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "differs from" or "is distinct from" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is there a subtle difference between "is unlike" and "is different from"?

While similar, "is unlike" often implies a greater degree of dissimilarity than "is different from". "Is different from" simply notes a difference, whereas "is unlike" suggests a more fundamental divergence.

When should I avoid using the phrase "is unlike"?

Avoid using "is unlike" when the comparison is vague or unclear. Always ensure the entities being compared are explicitly stated to avoid confusion.