it is not like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare something to another thing, often to indicate a difference or to clarify a misunderstanding. Example: "I thought the movie would be a comedy, but it is not like the funny films I usually enjoy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is not like anything Michelangelo ever had in mind.

The New York Times

It is not like before' (Resident 7).

Ecological Processes

It is not like a racial slur.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is not like that everywhere.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is not like that in England.

BBC

But it is not like that.

The New York Times

"It is not like here," he said.

The New York Times

"It is not like Grenada".

The New York Times

It is not like that.

The Guardian

"It is not like before.

The New York Times

In practice it is not like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is not like" to clarify a misunderstanding or correct a false assumption. For example, "This new system is not like the old one; it's much more efficient."

Common error

Avoid using "it is not like" when a simple negation suffices. For instance, instead of saying "He is not like tall", say "He is not tall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not like" functions primarily as a comparative expression, indicating a difference or dissimilarity between two subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English for comparisons. Examples from Ludwig show it contrasting various things, from art styles to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not like" serves as a versatile tool for highlighting differences and correcting assumptions. As Ludwig AI states, it's suitable for comparing items. Its neutral tone and common usage in news and media make it widely applicable, although more formal alternatives may be appropriate in certain academic contexts. Common errors include using it unnecessarily when a simple negation would suffice. Remember, "it is not like" excels at drawing clear distinctions and clarifying expectations. You can use alternatives such as "it differs from", "it's unlike", or "it is nothing like" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is nothing like

Emphasizes a significant difference, often implying surprise or disbelief.

it's unlike

A more concise way to state that something is not typical or characteristic of something else.

it differs from

Emphasizes a distinction or dissimilarity between two subjects.

it's dissimilar to

Formally indicates a lack of resemblance or similarity.

it doesn't resemble

Simply states that something does not look or seem similar.

it bears no resemblance to

Strongly asserts the absence of any similarity.

it's not comparable to

States that two things cannot be reasonably compared due to their differences.

it's a far cry from

Indicates a large difference, often with the implication of improvement or decline.

it stands apart from

Highlights the uniqueness of something compared to others.

it's of a different nature than

Indicates a fundamental difference in essence or character.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not like" in a sentence?

Use "it is not like" to draw a contrast or distinction between two things. For example, "This job "it is not like" my previous one, where I had less responsibility."

What phrases are similar to "it is not like"?

You can use alternatives such as "it differs from", "it's unlike", or "it is nothing like" depending on the desired nuance.

Is "it is not like" formal or informal?

"It is not like" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

What's the difference between "it is not like" and "it is unlike"?

While similar, ""it is not like"" is often used to correct a misconception, while "it's unlike" simply states a difference. For example, "This flavor "it is not like" the usual artificial flavor I hate" versus "This behavior it's unlike him."