likeness of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likeness of him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's resemblance or similarity to another person, often in a more formal or literary context. Example: "The artist captured the likeness of him in the portrait, showcasing his striking features and expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

However, chapter 42, verse 11 of the Koran does say: "[Allah is] the originator of the heavens and the earth... [there is] nothing like a likeness of Him".

BBC

For Ruth, your best bet would be to drive upstate to Cooperstown, N.Y., to see Armand LaMontagne's wooden likeness of him in the Hall of Fame.

The New York Times

Time's July 30 issue would be the sixth time this year that the magazine featured Trump — or a likeness of him — on its covers.

The Washington Post

It is perhaps to stop such situations that Robin Williams, it was revealed last week, signed a deed to prevent his image, or any likeness of him, being used at least 25 years after his death.

The Guardian

The Bible, perhaps the first book to be characterized in these terms, was thought to be the material embodiment of Jesus Christ, "a living and breathing likeness of Him" in the words of Erasmus.

The New York Times - Books

The University of Cape Town removed its likeness of him in 2015, but the next year, Oxford opted to keep its Rhodes statue at his alma mater, Oriel College.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

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Vice

Few likenesses of him survive.

The Economist

There are several likenesses of him here, and a solid silver Tiffany vase commissioned for his 80th birthday.

The New York Times - Arts

An anonymous likeness of Bronzino shows him as a suave man in advancing years, with a placid, slightly drowsy look.

The New York Times - Arts

Through a friend she met Gilbert Stuart, who critiqued her work, gave her further instruction in technique, and in 1825 sat for a portrait that he declared the only true likeness ever done of him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likeness of him" when referring to a formal representation or artistic depiction, especially in contexts where a precise or deliberate similarity is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "likeness of him" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "he looks like" or "he resembles" would be more appropriate. The phrase adds a layer of formality that might be unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likeness of him" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes a representation or image that shares similar characteristics with a specific person. Examples from Ludwig show it being used in contexts involving portraits, statues, and other forms of artistic or symbolic representation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likeness of him" is a grammatically sound and somewhat formal way to describe something that resembles or represents a specific person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and usable in written English. While "likeness of him" is not extremely common, it appears in a variety of contexts, particularly news and media, encyclopedias and academia. When writing, remember to reserve this expression for situations requiring a degree of formality and precision, and consider simpler alternatives for everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemblance to him

Focuses on the degree of similarity in appearance or character.

image of him

Refers to a visual representation or mental picture.

representation of him

Highlights the act of portraying or symbolizing someone.

portrait of him

Specifically refers to an artistic depiction, often a painting or photograph.

depiction of him

Similar to representation, but can also imply a more detailed or elaborate portrayal.

reflection of him

Implies a mirrored or indirect representation.

carbon copy of him

Emphasizes an exact or very close duplication.

spitting image of him

An idiomatic expression indicating a very strong resemblance.

double of him

Suggests someone who looks almost exactly like the person.

simulacrum of him

A more formal term for an image or representation, often with implications of artificiality.

FAQs

How can I use "likeness of him" in a sentence?

You can use "likeness of him" to describe a portrait, statue, or other representation that resembles him. For example, "The museum displayed a striking "portrait of him"."

What's the difference between "likeness of him" and "resemblance to him"?

"Likeness of him" often refers to a specific representation or depiction, while "resemblance to him" describes a general similarity in appearance or character.

What can I say instead of "likeness of him"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "image of him", "representation of him", or ""portrait of him"".

Is "likeness of him" formal or informal?

"Likeness of him" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "he looks like him" are more common.