likeness to

USAGE SUMMARY

"likeness to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to compare something to another thing. For example, "The likeness to a movie star was uncanny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Some of that earlier training occurred in locations bearing less likeness to Afghanistan, like Wisconsin.

The New York Times

"For its likeness to a spider's construction, this world is called the Web".

The New York Times - Magazine

John Wilkes Booth could even prefer it (as a likeness) to photographs of himself.

The New York Times

Every time I saw him I'd feel the same shock at his likeness to Patrick.

The New Yorker

Mitch said he was "stunned" at the "incredible" likeness to his daughter.

Independent

The appeals court ruled that E.A. had not transformed Hart's likeness to a significant degree.

The New York Times - Sports

Carabaño said nonvegan guests are always surprised by their likeness to real chicken.

The New York Times

It seemed an exemplification of their private likeness to one another.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Aldrin gave his permission for his likeness to be used).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Each compound screened is considered to follow the Lipinski rules of drug-likeness to focus on compounds with favorable solubility and bioavailability characteristics.

Autophagy

"Because no likeness <to any created thing> could be described, the Trinity must be defended by faith alone" (Sen 236.91).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likeness to", ensure the comparison is clear and the shared characteristics are easily identifiable.

Common error

Avoid using "likeness to" in highly abstract or conceptual contexts where a direct comparison isn't intended. Opt for words such as "relevance" or "relationship" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likeness to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a comparison or similarity between two entities. It highlights shared characteristics or resemblance. As indicated by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likeness to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to draw comparisons between subjects, emphasizing their shared characteristics. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to scientific publications, making it versatile for different writing styles. To ensure clarity, make sure that the comparison is well-defined and relevant to the surrounding text. While useful, consider resemblance to or similarity to as potential alternatives depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemblance to

Focuses specifically on visual or apparent similarities.

similarity to

A more general term for things that share similar qualities or characteristics.

analogy to

Suggests a comparison based on parallel structures or functions.

parallel to

Indicates a direct correspondence or mirroring of one thing to another.

correspondence to

Highlights an alignment or matching between two items.

relation to

Implies a connection or link, often broader than visual similarity.

connection to

Focuses on a link or association rather than a direct visual match.

association with

Emphasizes a mental or conceptual link rather than a physical one.

echo of

Evokes a sense of faint resemblance or subtle mirroring.

reflection of

Suggests that one thing is a mirrored image or representation of another.

FAQs

How can I use "likeness to" in a sentence?

Use "likeness to" to describe a resemblance or similarity between two things. For example, "The painting bore a striking likeness to the original photograph."

What are some alternatives to "likeness to"?

You can use alternatives such as "resemblance to", "similarity to", or "correspondence to" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "likeness to" or "similarity to"?

"Likeness to" often implies a more direct or visual comparison, while "similarity to" can be more general and encompass abstract similarities.

In legal contexts, how is "likeness to" often used?

In legal contexts, "likeness to" can relate to intellectual property, where the unauthorized use of someone's image or "likeness" for commercial gain is restricted.