look-alike

USAGE SUMMARY

'look-alike' is a correct and commonly used term in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that resembles or looks similar to another person or thing. Example: "The twins were such perfect look-alikes that even their own parents sometimes had trouble telling them apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

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

"Another woman was a Cher look-alike.

The New York Times - Books

Even the look-alike products are frauds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "look-alike" to clearly convey a strong visual resemblance between two people or things. This term is easily understood and widely accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "look-alike" when the resemblance is slight or superficial. Reserve it for cases where the similarity is striking and immediately noticeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look-alike" functions primarily as a noun, often used to describe a person or object that bears a strong resemblance to another. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, like describing celebrity doubles or similar products.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "look-alike" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes someone or something bearing a strong visual resemblance to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various contexts, primarily news and media. While synonyms such as "doppelganger" or "double" exist, "look-alike" offers a straightforward and accessible way to convey similarity. When using this term, ensure the resemblance is significant and avoid using it for superficial similarities. The frequency is uncommon but its meaning is clear and understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lookalike

Different spelling, but meaning is the same.

double

A person who closely resembles another, often used in the context of impersonation or stand-ins.

doppelganger

A more formal term for someone who closely resembles another person, often implying a mysterious or uncanny similarity.

spitting image

An informal term indicating an extremely close resemblance, as if one is directly copied from the other.

carbon copy

Suggests an exact duplication, often used when referring to a physical likeness.

dead ringer

An informal phrase for someone or something that looks exactly like another person or thing.

twin

Implies a very strong physical resemblance, often used metaphorically even when not referring to actual twins.

image

A direct likeness or representation, suggesting a strong visual similarity.

replica

An exact copy or reproduction, often used for objects but can also apply to people in certain contexts.

resemblance

A similarity in appearance, suggesting shared features without being an exact match.

FAQs

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

You can use "look-alike" as a noun to describe someone or something that closely resembles another. For example, "He hired a "look-alike" to distract the paparazzi".

What is a synonym for "look-alike"?

Synonyms for "look-alike" include "doppelganger", "double", or "spitting image". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "lookalike" or "look-alike" correct?

"Look-alike" (with a hyphen) and "lookalike" (without a hyphen) are both acceptable. However, "look-alike" is slightly more common in formal writing.

What's the difference between a "look-alike" and an impersonator?

A "look-alike" simply resembles someone famous or well-known, while an impersonator actively tries to imitate that person's mannerisms, voice, and behavior. A "look-alike" relies on natural resemblance, whereas an impersonator relies on practiced imitation.