resemble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resemble" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how one thing looks or behaves similarly to another. Example: "The painting seems to resemble the style of the famous artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The number of boarding groups began to resemble something like a caste system; "change fees," which have always been outrageous, grew higher (two hundred dollars for domestic, three hundred dollars for international), while baggage fees soared to as high as a hundred dollars.

The Economist

To quote just one: "So here is a specific and valuable advance in knowledge that could only have been attained by experimentation on animals that closely resemble us; experiments which are, as far as we can tell, almost painless".

The Guardian

Despite the peaceful nature of their actions, the simple act of protesting means that activists' lives sometimes resemble that of Tony Soprano.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a 700ft ballet of precisely considered mechanisms, where even the counterweights, set within coloured frames, resemble works of art.

The Guardian - Arts

From the distant steps of the newly opened war monument it didn't so much resemble a double-sided statue as a displaced Besser brick – an odd disjunctive barrier to the eye following the otherwise unbroken land axis.

The Guardian

The wonder of a meteor shower, for instance, is reflected in an arrangement of bright golden leaves that resemble stars in a patch of shadowy woodland.

The Guardian - Arts

Arancini, named after the little oranges that these fried rice balls are said to resemble, are best known in this country as a handy way to use up leftover risotto.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the impressive Hapsburg-era city hall sits a municipal assembly with powers that more closely resemble a sovereign state.

The Guardian

To put it kindly, you can say her fans resemble the star-struck kids in old films of the Beatles.

The Guardian - Arts

Dunno, maybe it's because we're such a conservative society, maybe it's because it makes you resemble a Muppet (although some of us have been pursuing that state of mental nirvana for decades) - whatever, it just doesn't really work, as proven by the fact that Natalie, with her cropped hair and yellow bathrobe, looks exactly like Sesame Street's Bert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Olivier chose to film the Battle of Bosworth Field in Spain, where the parched brown grass failed to resemble the green fields of Leicestershire.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resemble", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. Avoid vague statements; instead, highlight the particular features or qualities that are similar.

Common error

While "resemble" is a valid word, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for stronger verbs or more descriptive language to provide a vivid and precise comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resemble" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what or whom something is similar to. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "resemble" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to indicate similarity between two or more entities. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it can be applied across various registers, maintaining a neutral tone. When writing, ensure clarity in your comparisons and avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Consider alternatives like ""look like"" or "is similar to" for broader appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look like

A more common and informal way to express similarity in appearance.

bear a resemblance to

Emphasizes a noticeable similarity, often physical.

take after

Specifically refers to inheriting traits or characteristics from a family member.

have similarities with

Highlights shared characteristics but can also imply differences.

mirror

Suggests a very close or exact likeness.

duplicate

Implies an identical copy or replication.

correspond to

Indicates a matching or analogous relationship, often in function or structure.

parallel

Suggests a similarity in direction or development.

approximate

Implies a close but not exact similarity.

simulate

Suggests creating something that mimics the appearance or behavior of something else.

FAQs

How to use "resemble" in a sentence?

Use "resemble" to indicate similarity between two things. For example, "The child's features "look like" her mother's" or "The building's design "mirrors" ancient Roman architecture".

What can I say instead of "resemble"?

You can use alternatives like ""look like"", "is similar to", or "bear a resemblance to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "resemble" or "as they resemble"?

"Resemble" is a verb and can be used directly. "As they resemble" is a phrase that introduces a clause explaining how things are similar. The choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "resemble" and "seem"?

"Resemble" implies a visual or characteristic similarity, while "seem" suggests an impression or appearance. For example, "The painting "resembles" a Van Gogh" (visual similarity), but "He "seems" tired" (impression).