likening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likening" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare one thing to another, often to highlight similarities or create a metaphor. Example: "The author is likening the struggles of the protagonist to a stormy sea, emphasizing the turbulence of their journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Labour MP Austin Mitchell has refused to apologise for likening the US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to "rapists" over its controversial takeover of AstraZeneca.

The Guardian

Redditor Muggwoffin said he didn't think it was helpful, likening it to financial and direct aid which gets funnelled back to the elite.

The Guardian

Inside is a leader heaping ordure over "Labour's sham manifesto" and a spread likening Miliband to Bart Simpson with the headline "Manifest-doh!".

The Guardian

For weeks state TV has drawn attention to the hijab in televised debates, and pro-hijab posters likening badly veiled women to unwrapped candy bars preyed on by flies made the rounds on social networks.

The Guardian

He also suggested union leaders were frozen in the past for likening the deal to the two-decade-old North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), which labor insists was a disaster, costing hundreds of thousands of US manufacturing jobs.

The Guardian

Some Tory rightwingers expressed disappointment at the interventionist nature of the growth plan, likening it to the work of Gordon Brown and blaming excessive influence from the Lib Dems.

The Guardian

His previous projects have included a documentary likening Russia's opposition to Putin with Soviet dissidents who protested in the 1960s.

The Guardian

Akthar criticised Clarke for likening a veil to wearing a bag.

The Guardian

Among them is The Heartland Institute, which in 2012 ran a billboard campaign likening people who accept climate change to terrorists and serial killers.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I was younger, I had such awful, poisonous things written about me: male critics likening me to unattractive animals, and suggesting I should be in a zoo.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And Tebas likened the players union meeting to a Bildu announcement – in other words, in his mind, he was likening them to terrorists.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likening" to draw a comparison that illuminates a specific quality or characteristic shared between two subjects. This can make your writing more vivid and persuasive.

Common error

While "likening" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse, especially in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "comparing" or "equating" when a more direct statement is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "likening" is as a present participle or gerund of the verb "liken". It's used to describe an action of comparing or finding similarities between two things. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "likening" functions as a present participle or gerund, used to make comparisons, often for illustrative purposes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As the examples demonstrate, "likening" commonly appears in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "comparing" or "equating" in formal contexts for clarity. While grammatically sound, overuse of "likening" can dilute the impact of your writing. The goal is to use comparison to create a vivid image or analogy, but not at the expense of directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparing

A more general term for pointing out similarities between things.

equating

Suggests a stronger connection, implying things are almost identical.

drawing a parallel

More formal and emphasizes the connection being made.

analogizing

A more technical term for making an analogy.

assimilating

Implies incorporating one thing into another, highlighting similarities.

identifying with

Suggests a personal connection or shared characteristics.

seeing as similar

A straightforward way to express the act of finding resemblance.

viewing in the same light

Focuses on sharing a perspective or interpretation.

drawing a comparison

Similar to drawing a parallel, but slightly less formal.

associating

Highlights a connection or relationship between things.

FAQs

How can I use "likening" in a sentence?

You can use "likening" to compare two different things by highlighting their similarities, for example: "The critic was "likening" the novel's protagonist to a tragic hero."

What are some alternatives to "likening"?

Some alternatives include "comparing", "equating", "drawing a parallel", and "analogizing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "likening" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. While grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing seem less precise. In some formal contexts, more direct verbs like "comparing" or "equating" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "likening" and "comparing"?

"Likening" suggests a more figurative or illustrative comparison, while "comparing" is a more general term for pointing out similarities or differences. You might use "likening" when drawing an analogy or metaphor.