it resembles

USAGE SUMMARY

"it resembles" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe how one thing is similar to another thing in appearance, character, or quality. Example: The new building resembles a modern art museum with its sleek lines and large windows.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It resembles Munroa, in its bracteate inflorescence (Caro 1981).

University of California, Berkeley

it resembles Echinoce.

University of California, Berkeley

Many say it resembles Antilia.

The New York Times

It resembles a beehive.

The Guardian

Much of it resembles aerobics.

The New York Times - Arts

It resembles an Italian villa.

The New York Times

Outwardly, it resembles the original.

The Economist

It resembles a wall.

The New York Times

It resembles a pregnant octopus.

The Guardian

In this it resembles diplomacy and war.

The New York Times

It resembles a pimped-up violin.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it resembles", ensure the comparison is clear and specific. Provide context to help the reader understand the nature of the similarity. For instance, instead of just saying "the building resembles something", specify what it resembles and in what way: "The building resembles a modern art museum with its sleek lines and large windows."

Common error

Avoid using "it resembles" without specifying what it resembles or the aspect of similarity. An incomplete comparison can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "It resembles something", clarify the comparison. For example: "It resembles a classic sports car because of its streamlined design."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it resembles" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to express similarity or likeness between two subjects. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it is used to draw comparisons in both concrete and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it resembles" is a versatile phrase used to draw comparisons and highlight similarities between subjects, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, academic and scientific fields, underscore its reliability and adaptability. While straightforward, effective usage involves ensuring clarity in the comparison by specifying what is being compared and in what aspects. Alternatives such as "it is akin to" or "it bears a resemblance to" offer nuances for different contexts, enriching expressive capability. Keep comparisons clear to improve understanding, making "it resembles" a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it shares similarities with

This explicitly states that common attributes exist, highlighting the shared characteristics.

it is comparable to

This indicates that two things can be compared because they share similar qualities or characteristics.

it bears a resemblance to

This phrase emphasizes the presence of a likeness, focusing on shared features or aspects.

it is analogous to

This highlights a similarity in function or relationship, often used in more formal or technical contexts.

it is akin to

This alternative suggests a similarity or likeness, often implying a closer resemblance than "resembles".

it is reminiscent of

This phrase evokes a memory or association with something else, suggesting a similarity in style, feeling, or appearance.

it mirrors

This implies a direct correspondence or reflection of something, often in a visual or structural sense.

it has the hallmarks of

This suggests that something exhibits typical features or characteristics associated with a particular thing.

it approximates

This indicates a close but not exact similarity, suggesting an estimation or approximation of likeness.

it echoes

Similar to "mirrors", but can also describe a repetition of themes or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "it resembles" in a sentence?

You can use "it resembles" to draw a comparison between two things, highlighting their similarities. For instance, "The cloud formation "it resembles" a giant cotton ball" or "His painting style "it resembles" that of Van Gogh".

What are some alternatives to using "it resembles"?

Some alternatives include "it is similar to", "it is akin to", "it bears a resemblance to", or "it reminds me of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it resembles" or "it is similar to"?

Both "it resembles" and "it is similar to" are correct and convey a comparable meaning. "It resembles" often implies a stronger visual or superficial likeness, while "it is similar to" can encompass a broader range of shared characteristics.

Can "it resembles" be used to compare abstract concepts?

Yes, "it resembles" can be used to compare abstract concepts as well as physical objects. For example, "The economic policy "it resembles" a form of controlled capitalism".