it akin to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it akin to" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "it is akin to"? You can use the corrected phrase when comparing two things that are similar or related in some way. Example: "The new policy is akin to the previous one, as both aim to improve employee satisfaction."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Its value has only to do with the shock level of its confessional message, making it akin to the rapper Eminem's lyrics, and equally ephemeral.

The New York Times - Arts

In theory Digitalsmiths could put together an engine that searched through all of its content at once, which really would make it akin to an extremely powerful Google for video.

TechCrunch

The route was determined by its technical feasibility, not the economy of the local area, making it akin to a randomised trial.

The Economist

They consider it akin to traditional rice markets.

The Economist

When I was her age, I considered it akin to digging my own grave.

The New York Times - Tech

The USA and Canada regard gene editing as equivalent to traditional breeding, while the European Union considers it akin to genetic modification.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Stylistically it's akin to Martin Amis, it's all fizzing adjectives and punchy description.

The Guardian - Books

Rather, it is akin to a copy shop that provides its patrons with a library card.

Harvard University

It was akin to that ordeal".

The New Yorker

"It's akin to hoarding".

The New York Times

It is akin to seeking parental protection.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include the verb "is" before "akin to" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, use "it is akin to" instead of "it akin to".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "it akin to" without the necessary verb "is". This omission results in a grammatically incorrect sentence that can confuse readers. Always ensure the verb is present for clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it akin to" functions as an incomplete comparative phrase. As Ludwig AI points out, it requires a linking verb such as "is" to form a grammatically correct sentence. Without the verb, it's a fragment, hindering clear communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it akin to" appears frequently, it is grammatically incorrect due to the absence of a linking verb. Ludwig AI suggests the correct form is "it is akin to", which serves to draw comparisons between subjects. While found in varied sources ranging from news to academia, ensure you use the complete, grammatically sound version, or choose alternatives like "it is similar to" for clarity and precision. Remember to always include the verb "is" for a grammatically correct sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is similar to

Adds the necessary verb "is" for grammatical correctness, maintaining a direct comparison.

it resembles

Emphasizes the likeness in appearance or qualities, offering a slightly more formal tone.

it is comparable to

Highlights the ability to draw parallels for the sake of comparison.

it is analogous to

Suggests a deeper, more inferential comparison based on shared relationships or structures.

it is much like

Provides a more casual way to express similarity, suitable for informal contexts.

it equates to

Implies a direct correspondence or equivalence, often used in quantitative or measurable contexts.

it is on par with

Indicates that something is of equal quality or status.

it mirrors

Suggests a close resemblance, as if one thing reflects the other.

it aligns with

Highlights agreement or correspondence in terms of purpose, principles, or direction.

it parallels

Focuses on similarities in development or progression.

FAQs

How to properly use the phrase "akin to" in a sentence?

The phrase "akin to" requires a linking verb such as "is", "are", or "was". For instance, instead of saying "it akin to", you should say "it is akin to".

What are some alternatives to "it is akin to"?

You can use alternatives like "it is similar to", "it resembles", or "it is comparable to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it akin to" or "it is akin to"?

"It is akin to" is the grammatically correct form. The phrase "it akin to" is missing the verb "is".

In what contexts is "it is akin to" most appropriately used?

"It is akin to" is best used in contexts where you want to draw a comparison between two things, suggesting they share similar qualities or characteristics. It is frequently seen in news, academic, and technical writing.