like attracts like

USAGE SUMMARY

"Like attracts like" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, it is used to describe a situation where people or things with similar characteristics, qualities, or beliefs are drawn to one another. For example, "Like attracts like, so if you're looking to make new friends, it helps to have interests in common with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

However, if you focus on what you do not want and like attracts like, you will create more of what you do not want because that is what you are giving energy to.

Huffington Post

I KNOW that like attracts like and birds of a feather flock together.

Huffington Post

The way of the universe is that like attracts like and where there is a need, the universe seems to find a way of meeting those needs through opportunities.

WikiHow

Think about it, everything is energy and the universal law of attraction states that like attracts like.

Huffington Post

The universal law of attraction states that like attracts like, and so what you focus on to the positive or negative will be encouraged into your life.

Huffington Post

The law of attraction states that "like attracts like," so the more you smile, the more positive people you'll draw to yourself naturally.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The eccentricity of the label's output, Engle explains, may well be a case of like attracting like.

The Guardian - Music

The use of garlic, sulfur, or an amulet made of impure materials apparently operates on the principle of like attracting like; the impure amulet draws the impurity encountered in some situation toward itself, thus preventing it from polluting the wearer of the charm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A weakness of word-of-mouth in the past is that people had a limited social network and so like tended to attract like," he says.

The Guardian

It championed a terse, imagist minimalism and attracted like-minded young poets like David Harsent, Hugo Williams, Colin Falck and Michael Fried.

The New York Times - Arts

When you know who you are, and what you like, you will begin to attract like-minded people.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like attracts like" to explain how cultivating positive qualities in yourself can lead to attracting positive relationships and opportunities. For instance, if you want to attract motivated people, focus on being highly motivated yourself.

Common error

Avoid oversimplifying "like attracts like" to mean that merely thinking about something will automatically bring it into your life. While positive thinking is helpful, it's important to combine it with action and effort to achieve your goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like attracts like" functions primarily as a statement of a perceived universal principle. It asserts that similarity is a powerful force that draws comparable entities together. Ludwig shows how often this manifests as a core tenet of the Law of Attraction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like attracts like" is a commonly used phrase that embodies the idea of affinity between similar entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and is used to explain patterns of association and to suggest that similarity plays a crucial role in attraction and relationships. While the phrase is primarily neutral, it appears frequently in news and media, wikis, and more formal business contexts. It's crucial to remember, however, not to oversimplify it as a magical formula for wish fulfillment but rather as a principle that emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner qualities to attract corresponding external experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

birds of a feather flock together

This proverb emphasizes the tendency of similar people to associate with each other.

kindred spirits find each other

This suggests a natural attraction between people with similar interests and values.

common ground unites

This simple alternative emphasizes that sharing similar interests or beliefs creates a bond.

similarity breeds connection

This alternative highlights that shared traits and qualities create bonds.

affinity draws people together

This implies that mutual liking or sympathy is a powerful force in bringing people together.

homogeneous groups form

This emphasizes the tendency for groups to consist of similar individuals.

resonance fosters relationships

This indicates that when people have common ground, they tend to build relationships.

compatible people gravitate together

This suggests that people who get along well naturally tend to move towards each other.

the law of attraction

This refers to the idea that positive thoughts bring positive experiences, and vice versa.

shared values create community

This highlights that a sense of community develops when people have similar beliefs and principles.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "like attracts like" in a sentence?

You can use "like attracts like" to explain why people with similar interests become friends or why positive attitudes tend to draw positive outcomes. For example, "The team members bonded quickly because like attracts like, and they all shared a passion for innovation".

What's a good synonym for "like attracts like"?

A good synonym is "birds of a feather flock together", which also describes how similar individuals tend to group together.

Is "like attracts like" related to the Law of Attraction?

Yes, "like attracts like" is a core principle of the Law of Attraction, which suggests that focusing on positive or negative thoughts can bring about corresponding positive or negative results.

Can "like attracts like" be used in a negative context?

Yes, it can. For example, you might say that a toxic work environment persists because "like attracts like", and negative attitudes reinforce each other. It highlights how negativity can also be self-perpetuating.