it is alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it is alike' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that two or more things are similar. For example: "The old and the new picture frames are alike; they both have a classic shape and carved edges."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is alike our interest and that of all those to whom we would sell, and from whom we would buy, that there should be the fewest practicable restrictions upon the interchange of commodities.

Britannica

Further, Anaxagoras remarks that there is nous in many things, and that it is alike in all the things that it is in, both large and small (presumably those with soul, i.e., living things).

SEP

Tag it with "dubstep" and whatever artist it is alike to.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's okay if it's alike in some little ways, but always rely on your own thoughts.

WikiHow

Not all oil is alike when it comes to environmental impact, and many environmentalists single out production from the oil sands as the epitome of "dirty oil".

The New York Times

The music is alike.

Los Angeles Times

I thought, 'This is it.' " They were alike in so many ways.

The New York Times

It follows, then, that Being is whole, continuous, and "not divisible, since it is all alike".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The production brings off a double coup: it is revolutionary alike in content and form.

The Guardian

Life-stage marketing is geared to all those happy families who are alike; it forgets about the others, all unhappy in their own way.

The New Yorker

Known as Snowflake Bentley, he photographed, in exquisite detail, more than 5,000 flakes, of which -- you guessed it -- no two were alike.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically correct, consider using more common alternatives like "it is similar" or "it is alike" to improve clarity and readability for contemporary audiences.

Common error

While "it is alike" isn't incorrect, its less frequent use can sometimes make your writing sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more common synonyms such as "it is similar" to achieve a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is alike" functions as a predicative expression, indicating a state of similarity between two or more subjects. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's noted as being less common than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is alike" is a grammatically sound way to express similarity, as confirmed by Ludwig. However, it's less common in modern English than alternatives like "it is similar". Ludwig's examples reveal usage across diverse contexts, from news and encyclopedias to wikis, suggesting a neutral register. While correct, opting for more prevalent synonyms can improve clarity. The phrase is found in reliable sources like The New York Times and Britannica, indicating its acceptability, yet conscious use of alternatives is advisable for enhanced readability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is similar

Replaces "alike" with its direct synonym "similar".

it is comparable

Suggests that a comparison can be made between two things.

it is much the same

Indicates a high degree of similarity, implying minimal difference.

it bears a resemblance

Focuses on the visual or superficial similarities.

it is analogous

Implies a deeper, more structural similarity.

it is akin

A more formal way of saying something is similar or related.

it is virtually identical

Emphasizes that the differences are so small as to be negligible.

it mirrors

Suggests that one thing reflects or copies another.

it parallels

Indicates that something runs alongside something else and is similar to it.

it corresponds

Implies a matching or equivalent relationship.

FAQs

What does "it is alike" mean?

"It is alike" means that something shares similar qualities or characteristics with something else. You can also say that "it is similar" or "it is comparable".

Is "it is alike" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is alike" is grammatically correct, although it is less commonly used in contemporary English compared to phrases like "it is similar".

When should I use "it is alike"?

You can use "it is alike" when you want to point out the similarities between two things. However, consider using more common alternatives to ensure your writing sounds natural and clear. Phrases like "it is similar" or "it is comparable" may be preferable.

What are some alternatives to "it is alike"?

Some alternatives to "it is alike" include "it is similar", "it is comparable", "it is much the same", and "it bears a resemblance".