nearly like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly like" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something is very similar or almost the same as something else, but not exactly the same. For example, "This experience was nearly like a dream come true!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"And the ones nearly like flamingos".

The New York Times - Magazine

The main problem is that it is unclear what is accomplished by the workmanlike, uninflected translations of the photographic images into watercolor, especially since they look better in reproduction -- and nearly like photographs.

The New York Times

(Given that the number who will have to buy a licence is likely to be very small, the inference is that it's trying to stop what looks nearly like abuse).

The Guardian - Tech

He also claims that Kardashian's daughter with Disick, Penelope, looks nothing like her brother (which is something you can decide for yourself after looking at these side-by-side pics that show the kids looking nearly like twins).

Los Angeles Times

It was nearly like a war zone".

The Guardian

He looked, I noted, very nearly like a goose.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

It quickly gained nearly 7,000 "likes".

The Guardian

The trailer for the series posted on YouTube received over 73,000 "dislikes' to nearly 2,000 "likes".

Independent

Last week, Ms. Clinton started a public Facebook page that has already drawn nearly 11,000 "likes".

The New York Times

The palate and jaws, on the other hand, suggest attainment of a nearly holostean-like pattern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In musical comedy, he had a furious, nearly mask-like repertory of energized intentions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nearly like", ensure the comparison enhances understanding by specifying how the subjects are similar. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly like" when the subjects are clearly distinct or unrelated. It's meant to suggest a genuine similarity, not a vague association. If there is no real similarity consider a phrase that indicates difference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly like" functions as a qualifying prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate approximation or similarity. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage, with examples showcasing comparisons that are not absolute but close.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearly like" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a close but not exact resemblance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. The phrase serves to make comparisons while acknowledging subtle differences, enhancing clarity and precision in descriptions. Alternative phrases like "almost like" offer similar meanings, while it's essential to avoid overstating comparisons or using the phrase when subjects are unrelated. With a source quality score of 83 and an expert rating of 4.4, "nearly like" stands as a reliable tool for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost like

Emphasizes a close similarity, differing primarily in the choice of adverb.

virtually the same as

Highlights the functional equivalence, focusing on practical indistinguishability.

practically identical to

Stresses a very high degree of similarity, close to being indistinguishable.

much the same as

Indicates a strong resemblance, but with a slightly less formal tone.

akin to

Suggests a similarity in nature or quality, often used in more formal contexts.

reminiscent of

Implies that something brings to mind something else, highlighting shared characteristics.

comparable to

Indicates that two things can be compared due to shared qualities or characteristics.

not unlike

Expresses similarity through negation, softening the comparison.

bearing resemblance to

Focuses on the act of resembling, often used in more descriptive or formal writing.

approximating to

Emphasizes the idea of coming close to a certain state or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "nearly like" in a sentence?

You can use "nearly like" to compare something to something else that it resembles but isn't exactly the same. For instance, "The texture of the new cake was "nearly like" velvet".

What phrases are similar to "nearly like"?

Similar phrases include "almost like", "virtually the same as", or "practically identical to", all indicating a high degree of similarity without being exact.

Is it correct to say "almost like" instead of "nearly like"?

Yes, "almost like" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "nearly like". The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "nearly like" and "exactly like"?

"Nearly like" implies a close resemblance but not a perfect match, whereas "exactly like" indicates complete identity. Use "nearly like" when things share significant traits but aren't identical; use "exactly like" when they are indistinguishable.