just alike

USAGE SUMMARY

"just alike" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that are very similar to one another. For example, "The two sisters had similar tastes in fashion, dressing just alike each day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

All men, he believes, are just alike.

The New Yorker

We think just alike, act just alike and dress just alike.

The New York Times - Magazine

All the chickens are just alike, and all the men are just alike.

The Guardian

"All men are just alike," Folsom liked to say.

The New Yorker

"We used to look just alike, and now we don't," Ms. Shelton said.

The New York Times

She laughed, describing them as narcissistic — "always going into photo booths and thinking we looked just alike".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Most of these buildings look exactly alike, not just in Mumbai but in São Paolo, Jakarta, Johannesburg.

The Guardian

They were always dressed exactly alike in just-off-the-rack outfits that were expensive, tasteful, and never the same.

Vice

Most black people just vote alike," says J.C. Watts, a black Republican congressman from Oklahoma.

The Economist

"Me and Mike just think alike, we can't stop high-fiving," El-P raps on "Stay Gold".

The New Yorker

(Writing this book made me realize just how alike we are in this way).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just alike" to emphasize a close similarity, often suggesting an unexpected or surprising level of resemblance.

Common error

While "just alike" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "virtually identical" or "strikingly similar" for nuanced expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just alike" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a high degree of similarity. It is commonly used to describe things that are nearly identical or share significant characteristics, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just alike" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a high degree of similarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, as shown by the Ludwig examples, it's crucial to consider the formality of your writing and opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "virtually identical" or "strikingly similar" when appropriate. Employ "just alike" to emphasize the extent of resemblance, but be mindful of potential redundancy with phrases like "exactly just alike".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very similar

Focuses on the degree of similarity, rather than exact correspondence.

virtually identical

Emphasizes near-perfect resemblance with minor differences.

almost the same

Highlights a high degree of similarity with slight deviations.

nearly indistinguishable

Stresses the difficulty in discerning any differences.

cut from the same cloth

Suggests a shared origin or inherent qualities.

two peas in a pod

Indicates a strong resemblance in appearance and personality.

of a kind

Emphasizes uniqueness through similarity.

remarkably similar

Focuses on how striking the resemblence is.

strikingly similar

Highlights that the similarity is noticeable.

much the same

Indicates that the things are approximately the same.

FAQs

How can I use "just alike" in a sentence?

You can use "just alike" to emphasize a surprising or notable similarity between two or more things. For example, "The twins were "virtually identical", always dressing just alike."

What's a more formal alternative to "just alike"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases such as "remarkably similar", "strikingly similar", or "virtually identical" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it redundant to say "exactly just alike"?

Saying "exactly just alike" can be redundant because "just alike" already implies a high degree of similarity. Opt for either "exactly alike" or "just alike" for clarity.

What is the difference between "just alike" and "very similar"?

"Just alike" implies a near-perfect resemblance, while "very similar" indicates a high degree of likeness without necessarily being nearly identical. The choice depends on the specific level of similarity you want to convey.