resemblance to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resemblance to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing similarities or likenesses between two or more subjects. Example: "There is a striking resemblance to her mother in the way she smiles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Marked resemblance to Leonard Rossiter.

Independent

(The resemblance to "oenophilia" is not accidental).

The New York Times - Science

Bore an unfortunate resemblance to a toad.

Independent

Resemblance to real persons?

The Guardian - Film

It bears no resemblance to this.

The New York Times - Books

There's no resemblance to real life".

The New York Times

Do you bear much resemblance to him?

The New York Times - Magazine

She bears a striking resemblance to Charlotte Gainsbourg.

The New York Times

Does everyone mention your resemblance to James Taylor?

The Guardian - Film

(d) Acknowledge his resemblance to Senator Joseph McCarthy.

The New Yorker

Massey's resemblance to Lincoln is really amazing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resemblance to", ensure that you clearly identify both subjects being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "The painting's resemblance to Monet's work is striking" instead of simply stating "The painting has a resemblance."

Common error

Avoid using "resemblance to" when discussing purely abstract or conceptual similarities. It's more appropriate for tangible comparisons. For intangible similarities, opt for terms like "similarity", "connection", or "correspondence".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resemblance to" functions as a prepositional phrase that highlights the similarity or likeness between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resemblance to" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to highlight similarities, particularly visual ones, between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it's frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clear context and consider "similarity to" or "likeness to" as alternatives depending on the desired nuance. Avoid using it with purely abstract concepts, and always clearly identify what is being compared. The phrase's neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similarity to

Focuses on the degree to which two things are alike without necessarily implying visual likeness.

likeness to

Highlights a visual similarity or the quality of being alike in appearance.

match to

Indicates a direct comparability or the quality of being similar in a certain aspect.

correspondence to

Emphasizes a direct correlation or matching aspect between two things.

parallel to

Indicates a similarity in direction, course, or tendency.

affinity with

Suggests a natural liking or connection due to shared characteristics.

connection to

Highlights an association or relationship between two things.

analogy with

Draws a comparison to explain or clarify based on shared attributes.

bearing to

Focuses on the way one thing relates to or influences another.

equivalence to

Highlights the state of being equal or virtually identical.

FAQs

How do I use "resemblance to" in a sentence?

Use "resemblance to" to point out the similar qualities between two or more things. For example: "Her "resemblance to" her mother is uncanny".

What's the difference between "resemblance to" and "similarity to"?

"Resemblance to" often implies a visual or superficial likeness, while "similarity to" can refer to deeper, more abstract commonalities.

What can I say instead of "resemblance to"?

You can use alternatives like "likeness to", "similarity to", or "correspondence to" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to use "resemblance to" or "similarity to"?

"Similarity to" is generally considered more versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, while ""resemblance to"" leans slightly toward more descriptive or narrative writing.