only alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only alike" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used when emphasizing that two or more things share similarities but are not identical. Example: "The two paintings are only alike in their use of color, but their styles are quite different."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Snowflakes, it seems, are not only alike; they usually start out more or less the same.

The New Yorker

This procedure was based on the assumption that drugs sharing a target are much more similar than drugs that are only alike in terms of structure.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

They thus allow that two worlds could be physical duplicates, but nonetheless differ mentally two worlds that are physically just alike, but only one of which contains a community of disembodied spirits.

SEP

The Coens not only think alike, they talk alike.

The New York Times

Below, check out Carole and Kate Middleton, Rumer Willis and Demi Moore and the other famous mommy-daughter pairs who not only look alike but also dress alike.

Huffington Post

The men and women are not only dressed alike but their minds become all alike.

Huffington Post

Zeile's locker is next to Ventura's, and the two not only look alike but seem to share the same dry wit.

The New York Times - Sports

When the two men meet, it is at once apparent that they are indeed doubles -- that is, they not only look alike, but are identical, down to the moles on their forearms and the date of their birth.

The New York Times - Books

Rats showed moderate generalization of aversion between MSG and l-arginine, suggesting that these two amino acids taste only moderately alike.

Neuroscience

Most of the 25 stars share more than 25 different characteristics—a sign that the stars probably not only look alike but are physically similar, the researchers report online and in a forthcoming issue of The Astrophysical Journal.

Science Magazine

At the moment, we're dealing in half-truths, untruths and mistrust; in this dusk of unspoken resentments, only Farage-alikes can operate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only alike" when you want to emphasize that items or concepts share some similarities, but aren't identical. For example, "These two solutions are "only alike" in their initial approach, but their outcomes differ significantly."

Common error

Avoid using "only alike" if the items being compared are virtually identical. Using "only alike" implies a limited or superficial similarity, so ensure the distinction is clear to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only alike" functions as a qualifier, limiting the extent of similarity between two or more entities. It suggests that while there are points of resemblance, they are not substantial or comprehensive.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only alike" is used to express a limited degree of similarity, suggesting that while there are shared characteristics, significant differences also exist. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically acceptable but not particularly common, falling into the 'Rare' frequency category. While the phrase is acceptable, the alternatives "merely similar" or "just similar" may sound more natural to the reader. It is prevalent in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register suitable for analytical writing. Remember to use it judiciously to accurately convey the degree of similarity you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely similar

Emphasizes the limited extent of the similarity.

just similar

Highlights a basic level of resemblance.

somewhat alike

Indicates a partial or moderate similarity.

partially similar

Focuses on the aspect of being not entirely the same.

kind of similar

Suggests a vague or loose similarity.

not entirely different

Emphasizes the shared characteristics more than the differences.

not completely dissimilar

Indicates a noticeable degree of resemblance.

resembling in part

Highlights that similarity exists but is not comprehensive.

sharing some traits

Points out specific overlapping characteristics.

similar to a degree

Indicates similarity exists to some extent but not fully.

FAQs

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

Use "only alike" to indicate a limited degree of similarity between two or more things. For example: "The two proposals are "only alike" in their broad goals, but differ in their specific strategies."

What are some alternatives to using "only alike"?

Alternatives include "merely similar", "just similar", or "somewhat alike". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "only alike"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct but somewhat uncommon. It's used to specify that the similarity between things is limited or superficial. Consider alternatives if you prefer a more common expression.

What's the difference between "only alike" and "very similar"?

"Only alike" suggests a small degree of similarity, while "very similar" indicates a high degree of resemblance. Use "only alike" when you want to emphasize that the items are not identical.