resemble more closely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resemble more closely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more things to indicate that one is more similar to another than to others. Example: "The new species of bird resembles more closely the one found in the Amazon rainforest than any other species."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But over the past 20 years, the population has come to resemble more closely that of the ethnically diverse region around it.

The New York Times

The incursion of technology into public spaces -- cellphones, iPods, security cameras -- is causing cities to resemble more closely the controlled environments of suburban towns.

The New York Times

As the male Photinus approaches, the female Photuris even reduces the intensity of her flashes, to resemble more closely the weaker signals of the smaller female Photinus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to repairing their faces, the morticians also cut their hair and trimmed their beards in a way to make both brothers resemble more closely the men in earlier times.

The New York Times

Over time, their figures show, employment in individual markets has come to resemble more closely that in the nation as a whole.This homogenisation reflects the rising importance of "non-tradable" work.

The Economist

The most plausible alternative is the half-English king's half-brother, Hamzah, 31, often said to resemble more closely King Hussein, with his better Arabic and his easier relations with the East Bankers and Bedouin tribesmen.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The W.U.S.A.'s startup resembles more closely the startup of the Women's National Basketball Association.

The New York Times - Sports

That translation resembles more closely the way Mr. Ahmadinejad used to discuss the issue.

The New York Times

And sales of large S.U.V.'s, which the new Pilot now resembles more closely (intentionally, but unfortunately) are shriveling as pump-dazed car buyers shift to smaller vehicles.

The New York Times

The Italian standard language, in particular, owes much to the influence of Latin, which it resembles more closely than do the spoken dialects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A dormant boat is moored in the gloom; a milestone indicating a distance of 20km to Le Havre resembles more closely a gravestone announcing the demise of the French port town.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resemble more closely", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. State explicitly what is being compared and what qualities make them similar.

Common error

Avoid using "resemble more closely" without clearly specifying what is being compared. Ambiguous comparisons can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. Always provide context for the resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resemble more closely" functions primarily as a comparative descriptor, indicating a greater degree of similarity between two or more entities. It is used to highlight that one subject shares more characteristics or features with another than with others under consideration. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse subjects, from genetics to architecture.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "resemble more closely" serves as a comparative descriptor, highlighting a greater degree of similarity between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and frequently employed expression across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, clarity is key: explicitly state what is being compared to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "bear a closer resemblance to" or "more nearly approximate" can be used depending on the intended nuance. Remember, "resemble more closely" suggests a stronger, more direct similarity than simply "appear similar to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more closely resemble

Reverses the word order while maintaining the same core meaning.

bear a closer resemblance to

Uses "bear a resemblance" instead of "resemble", emphasizing the act of resembling.

more nearly approximate

Replaces "resemble" with "approximate", focusing on achieving a similar outcome.

more faithfully reflect

Emphasizes the accuracy of the resemblance, using "reflect" instead of "resemble".

mirror more accurately

Uses "mirror" to suggest a close and precise similarity.

more closely align with

Shifts the focus to alignment rather than visual similarity.

are more akin to

Replaces "resemble" with "akin", indicating a natural similarity.

share more similarities with

Highlights shared characteristics instead of overall resemblance.

parallel more strongly

Emphasizes a parallel or corresponding relationship.

show a greater likeness to

Uses "likeness" to indicate a similarity in appearance or character.

FAQs

How can I use "resemble more closely" in a sentence?

Use "resemble more closely" to compare two or more things and indicate that one has greater similarity to the reference point. For example: "The new model "resembles more closely" the previous version than the prototype".

What phrases can I use instead of "resemble more closely"?

Alternatives include "bear a closer resemblance to", "more nearly approximate", or "are more akin to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "resemble more closely" or "closely resemble"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "resemble more closely" is generally used when comparing degrees of similarity. "Closely resemble" simply indicates a high degree of similarity. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "resemble more closely" and "appear similar to"?

"Resemble more closely" implies a stronger and more direct similarity than "appear similar to". "Appear similar to" can suggest a superficial or less defined likeness, while "resemble more closely" suggests a deeper, more intrinsic connection.