liken to

USAGE SUMMARY

"liken to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two things by suggesting they are similar in some way. For example: "The sound of the waves crashing against the shore can be likened to a gentle thunder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The two phrases have usefully distinct meanings and, although "compare to" can be replaced by "liken to", it's clumsier to replace "compare with" with another phrase.

The Guardian

The former means liken to, the latter means make a comparison: so unless you are specifically likening someone or something to someone or something else, use compare with.

The Guardian

2. To liken; to compare.

The New Yorker

Which war did Jorge Luis Borges liken to "two bald old men arguing over a comb"?

Independent

They remain bonded to employers under terms that critics liken to indentured servitude.

The New York Times

Compare to means liken to; compare with means make a comparison.

The Guardian

And this not from some disaffected group we might liken to the IRA, but the legitimately elected government of Gaza.

Independent

"I have a fascination with the work they do, which I liken to the work of artists," he says.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Likened to radio drama.

The Guardian

Mr. Jobs was routinely likened to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

The New York Times

Xiaomi is often likened to Apple.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "liken to" when you want to suggest a similarity that helps your audience understand a concept better. For example, "The experience of learning a new language can be likened to climbing a mountain."

Common error

While "liken to" is perfectly acceptable, using it excessively in formal or academic writing can make your prose sound less sophisticated. Consider stronger, more precise verbs to make your comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "liken to" is to draw an analogy or make a comparison, suggesting that one thing is similar to another. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used in English writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liken to" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to draw comparisons or analogies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its function is to aid understanding by relating unfamiliar concepts to familiar ones. While versatile, overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Remember to use "liken to" to enhance clarity and connection with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compare to

Emphasizes a direct comparison, often to highlight similarities.

draw a parallel to

Suggests identifying a similarity between two distinct things.

equate with

Indicates treating two things as equal or interchangeable.

analogize to

Highlights a more formal or technical comparison.

see as analogous to

Focuses on perceiving something as similar to something else.

associate with

Implies a connection or relationship, often less direct than a comparison.

compare with

Focuses on examining similarities and differences.

relate to

Suggests a connection or association, not necessarily a direct comparison.

find resemblance in

Emphasizes discovering similar qualities or features.

regard as similar to

Highlights a considered opinion that two things share likeness.

FAQs

How do I use "liken to" in a sentence?

You can use "liken to" to compare two things by suggesting they are similar. For example, "Critics "liken to" his work to that of Shakespeare."

What can I say instead of "liken to"?

You can use alternatives like "compare to", "draw a parallel to", or "equate with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "liken with" instead of "liken to"?

No, the correct form is ""liken to"". "Liken" requires the preposition "to" when expressing a comparison or similarity.

What's the difference between ""liken to"" and "compare to"?

"Liken to" emphasizes the act of suggesting a similarity, while "compare to" generally means to examine for similarities or differences. However, in some contexts, they can be used interchangeably.