likened to when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likened to when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw a comparison between two situations or events, often to illustrate a point or make an analogy. Example: "Her reaction to the news was likened to when a child receives a surprise gift, full of joy and excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a move that Mr. Smith likened to when Jim Henson's Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy "went on to have their own shows," some of the fake bands are now playing gigs and putting out records on various labels.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He has been likened to Dickens, and when a novelist is likened to Dickens one must stop and ask the reason".

The Guardian - Books

Dyson is often likened to Apple, and the comparison shows true when looking at the DC59's ID.

TechCrunch

He became a household name when his satirical show - likened to Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the US - began to be broadcast on CBC.

BBC

He became a household name when his satirical show - likened to Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the US - began to be broadcast once a week on CBC, one of Egypt's independent satellite stations.

BBC

It's only when he says this that I realise that, whereas most actors are likened to distant astral bodies, Dalle is almost always talked about in terms of explosives.

Independent

Mr Hirst is often likened to Jeff Koons, an American pop artist who overtook Mr Hirst as the most expensive living artist when his "Hanging Heart" sold for $23.6m in November 2007 (see chart 1).

The Economist

Cultivated in a similar environment to human ES cells, human iPS cells display close resemblance when protein and epigenetic signatures are compared [ 57, 58], hence are also likened to EpiSCs.

Cell Regeneration

Memory inhibition in reference to RIF has sometimes been likened to processes of inhibition associated with motor control, such as those responsible for baseball players stopping their swing when they anticipate a ball.

Wikipedia

He is often likened to Dickens.

The Guardian - Books

Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, was often likened to Diana.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likened to when" to create vivid comparisons that enhance understanding by relating unfamiliar concepts to familiar experiences. For example, "The anticipation before the election results were likened to when waiting for a final exam grade, full of anxiety and hope."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "likened to when" in formal academic or business writing. While effective for illustrative purposes, excessive use can diminish the objective tone expected in these contexts. Opt for more direct comparative language, such as "similar to" or "comparable to", instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likened to when" functions primarily as a comparative connector. It draws a parallel between two distinct situations, often using a past event to illuminate or clarify a present one. As seen in Ludwig, this construction helps to establish a relatable point of reference for the reader.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likened to when" is a grammatically correct comparative connector, used to draw parallels between situations, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceptionally common, it serves to create relatable analogies, enhancing understanding across various contexts. Its register is primarily neutral, making it suitable for both journalistic and explanatory writing. When using the phrase, consider more direct comparative language such as ""compared to when"" or ""similar to when"" for formal settings, and leverage its vividness to create impactful comparisons in general usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared to when

Direct synonym, replacing 'likened' with 'compared'.

much like when

Simple substitution, maintaining the comparative structure.

similar to when

Replaces 'likened' with 'similar', offering a more general comparison.

just as when

Highlights the simultaneity of the comparison.

reminiscent of when

Emphasizes a feeling of remembering a past event.

as with when

A more concise way to introduce a comparison.

analogous to when

Suggests a parallel or correspondence between two things.

parallels when

Focuses on the parallel aspects of the comparison, restructuring the sentence.

in the same way as when

More formal way to draw a parallel.

mirrors when

Emphasizes the reflection or close resemblance between two situations.

FAQs

How can I use "likened to when" in a sentence?

Use "likened to when" to draw a parallel between two scenarios, emphasizing a similarity. For example, "The feeling of starting a new project was "likened to when" you open a new book, full of potential and unknown adventures."

What are some alternatives to "likened to when"?

Alternatives include "compared to when", "similar to when", or "reminiscent of when", each offering a slightly different nuance in the comparison.

Is "likened to when" considered formal or informal?

"Likened to when" falls in a neutral register, suitable for general writing but less appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts. Consider more direct comparative language for such settings.

What's the difference between "likened to" and "compared to when"?

"Likened to" is a more general comparison, while ""compared to when"" specifically links a current situation to a past experience. The choice depends on whether you want to simply draw a parallel or evoke a memory.