not unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'not unlike' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a phrase used to compare two similar things or ideas. For example, "The colors of the sunset were not unlike a watercolor painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not unlike him.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's not unlike smoking.

The New York Times

Not unlike the author himself.

The Economist

Not unlike Chuck himself.

The New York Times

Not unlike writing poems.

The New Yorker

Not unlike that definition.

The Guardian

Not unlike Bobby.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not unlike my pie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's not unlike it.

The Guardian

Not unlike a death in the family.

The New York Times - Sports

Democracy, not unlike economics, is often messy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not unlike" to draw subtle comparisons that add depth to your descriptions, making your writing more engaging and insightful.

Common error

Avoid using "not unlike" for very obvious similarities; instead, reserve it for comparisons that reveal a nuanced connection or unexpected parallel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not unlike" functions as a comparative, drawing parallels between two distinct entities or situations. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show it highlighting similarities in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not unlike" is a versatile tool for drawing comparisons, primarily functioning as a comparative to subtly highlight similarities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While highly versatile, it's best reserved for nuanced comparisons to avoid diluting its impact. By using "not unlike" judiciously, writers can enhance their descriptions and provide readers with relatable points of reference, enriching the overall quality and insightfulness of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to

Direct synonym indicating resemblance.

reminiscent of

Suggests a likeness that brings something else to mind.

comparable to

Indicates that two things can be compared, implying similarity.

bears a resemblance to

More formal way of saying something looks or is like something else.

akin to

Suggests a similarity in quality or character.

of a similar nature

More descriptive, emphasizing the shared characteristics.

shares characteristics with

Highlights shared traits or features.

has features in common with

Focuses on the overlapping elements between two subjects.

parallel to

Implies things that exist side by side with similar aspects.

in the same vein as

Indicates a similarity in style, approach, or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "not unlike" in a sentence?

Use "not unlike" to draw a comparison between two things that share similarities. For instance, "The feeling of anticipation was "not unlike" waiting for a holiday to arrive."

What phrases can I use instead of "not unlike"?

Alternatives include phrases like "similar to", "reminiscent of", or "comparable to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not unlike" or "similar to"?

"Not unlike" often implies a more nuanced or subtle comparison, while "similar to" is a more direct and straightforward comparison. The best choice depends on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.

What's the difference between "not unlike" and "different from"?

"Not unlike" indicates a similarity or resemblance, whereas "different from" indicates a dissimilarity or contrast. They are essentially opposites in meaning.