look alike

USAGE SUMMARY

"look alike" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that appear to be similar. For example, "Those two apples look alike, but I think one is a little bigger than the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They look alike.

The New Yorker

The sexes look alike.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They even look alike.

The Economist

They all look alike.

Forbes

(They certainly don't look alike).

The New Yorker

"Everyone's starting to look alike".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It kills the look-alike.

The New Yorker

My look-alike!

The New York Times

That's more of a look-alike thing.

The New York Times

Then a look-alike comes along.

The New York Times

"Begorra," the Fitzgerald look-alike says.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "look alike" to convey a strong visual similarity. For objects, consider specifying what aspects "look alike" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

In formal contexts, using alternatives like "resemble each other" or "bear a resemblance" can lend a more sophisticated tone. Avoid repetitive use of "look alike" in a single document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look alike" primarily functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates a similarity in visual appearance between two or more subjects. The numerous examples show its use in describing people, objects, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look alike" is a verb phrase used to describe visual similarities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its primary function is to express resemblance, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts. While widely used, consider employing synonyms like "resemble each other" in more formal settings. As demonstrated by Ludwig's numerous examples, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its relevance in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resemble each other

Focuses on the act of resembling, highlighting a mutual similarity.

bear a resemblance

Emphasizes the existence of a shared likeness.

have similar features

Highlights specific features that are alike.

share a likeness

Indicates a shared visual similarity.

are virtually identical

Stresses a high degree of similarity, almost to the point of being the same.

are much the same

Focuses on the sameness of the subjects in terms of appearance.

appear similar

Emphasizes the visual appearance of similarity.

have a comparable appearance

Highlights the comparable nature of their looks.

are twins

Indicates an extremely close physical similarity, often implying a genetic connection.

are cut from the same cloth

Suggests a shared origin or nature, which manifests in a similar appearance or style.

FAQs

How can I use "look alike" in a sentence?

The phrase "look alike" can be used to describe people, animals, or objects that have a similar visual appearance. For instance, "The twins look alike", or "These two brands look alike due to similar packaging".

What are some alternatives to "look alike"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "resemble each other", "bear a resemblance", or "have similar features".

Is it correct to say "look the same" instead of "look alike"?

While "look the same" is understandable and often used interchangeably with "look alike", the latter specifically implies a resemblance without necessarily being identical. "Look the same" suggests near or total identity.

What's the difference between "look alike" and "similar to"?

"Look alike" specifically refers to visual appearance, whereas "similar to" implies a general likeness that may not be visual. For example, you can say "Their personalities are similar to each other", but it wouldn't be appropriate to say "Their personalities look alike".