nothing alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nothing alike" is a correct and common expression in written English.
You can use the phrase to express that two or more things are significantly different from one another. For example, "The two recipes are nothing alike - one requires baking, and the other needs to be cooked on a stovetop."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They sound nothing alike.

The New Yorker

We look nothing alike.

The New York Times

But they are nothing alike.

The New Yorker

No, they are nothing alike.

The New York Times

They looked nothing alike.

The New York Times

On the surface, they seem nothing alike.

The New York Times

The figures looked nothing alike.

The New York Times

Al Sharpton and Al Roker look nothing alike.

The New Yorker

For brothers, Wallow and I look nothing alike.

The New Yorker

We are nothing alike and we fight all the time.

The New York Times

But rest assured that you and I think nothing alike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nothing alike" to clearly and concisely express that two or more subjects share no similarities, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "nothing alike" when a comparison is needed; this phrase simply states a lack of similarities rather than providing an insightful comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing alike" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject to express a complete lack of similarity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely recognized and accepted in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nothing alike" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a complete lack of similarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to emphatically assert dissimilarity across various subjects. When using "nothing alike", ensure that a comparison is not needed and you are stating a definitive lack of shared traits. While alternatives exist, "nothing alike" offers a concise and straightforward way to convey this meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely different

Emphasizes a total lack of similarity.

not at all similar

Highlights the absence of resemblance.

entirely dissimilar

Stresses the complete divergence between two things.

bear no resemblance

Focuses on the lack of visual or superficial likeness.

worlds apart

Indicates a vast difference or separation.

poles apart

Similar to "worlds apart", highlighting extreme opposition.

not comparable

Suggests that the items cannot be reasonably compared due to differences.

unalike in any way

Emphasizes the complete absence of common traits.

distinctly different

Highlights the noticeable and clear differences.

contrast sharply

Focuses on the stark differences between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing alike" in a sentence?

You can use "nothing alike" to emphasize the lack of similarities between two or more subjects. For example: "Although they are siblings, their personalities are "nothing alike"."

What are some alternatives to saying "nothing alike"?

Alternatives include phrases like "completely different", "not at all similar", or "entirely dissimilar" to convey a lack of resemblance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "nothing alike"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Nothing alike" is a common and accepted way to express that two or more things share no similarities.

What is the difference between "nothing alike" and "very different"?

"Nothing alike" implies a complete absence of similarities, whereas "very different" suggests significant differences but doesn't necessarily rule out any shared traits.