resemble someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resemble someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that one person or thing has a similar appearance or characteristics to another person. Example: "She does indeed resemble someone I used to know from high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Their arms trace complex loops, so that they resemble someone escaping very gracefully from a straitjacket.

The New York Times - Arts

The only requirement the students faced: The characters should resemble someone they would like to be.

The New York Times

Then you put "Entourage" in the DVD player to kill off any remaining tendencies to pretend you resemble someone from the 19th century.

The New York Times - Travel

As he aged and let his hair grow long, he came more and more to resemble someone out of the Old Testament.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a few weeks time, when he begins, like all ill-nourished down-and-outs to resemble someone who could be Lord Lucan, it might be different.

The Guardian

ATLANTIC CITY — Sitting one afternoon recently in the lobby of Caesars casino here, where the floor is paved with stone to resemble the streets of ancient Rome, Josh Axelrad was trying to resemble someone idle, unemployed and not too bright.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He resembled someone returning from an expedition, not embarking on one.

The New Yorker

In the coalition government, he often resembled someone trying to depict a limp handshake through the medium of interpretive dance.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

O'Neill resembles someone trapped in a lift, pressing assorted buttons more in hope than expectation that the doors will open.

The Guardian - Sport

All the would-be novelist can do is trust to luck, take the nearest pattern, and hope that it resembles someone else's.

The New Yorker

Two years after losing his sight, Hull apparently was so nonvisual that he resembled someone who'd been blind from birth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resemble someone", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical appearance, personality, or both.

Common error

Avoid using "resemble someone" when you intend to describe a symbolic or metaphorical similarity. It's best suited for direct, recognizable likenesses, such as appearance or character. For abstract similarities, use words like "echo", "mirror", or "reflect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resemble someone" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a similarity or likeness between two individuals. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, primarily to describe physical or behavioral similarities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resemble someone" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to express similarity, as confirmed by Ludwig. While the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. When using the phrase, ensure the context indicates the aspect of similarity – whether it be physical, behavioral, or both. Consider alternatives like "look like someone" or "take after someone" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. The phrase is uncommon but consistently used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look like someone

This alternative focuses on visual similarity.

look alike

This is a more general way to express physical similarity.

bear a resemblance to someone

This phrase highlights the existence of a likeness.

be the spitting image of someone

This idiom suggests a very close resemblance.

take after someone

This often implies inheriting traits from a family member.

have a similar appearance to someone

This option is more descriptive and detailed.

mirror someone

This suggests a direct and often striking similarity.

have the same features as someone

This focuses on specific physical traits.

remind one of someone

This implies a subjective impression of similarity.

duplicate someone

Implies exact replication or copying.

FAQs

What's the difference between "resemble someone" and "look like someone"?

"Resemble someone" and "look like someone" are often interchangeable, both indicating a similarity in appearance. However, "resemble someone" can also extend to similarities in character or behavior, while "look like someone" typically refers only to physical appearance. Using "look like someone" often implies a more superficial similarity.

How can I use "resemble someone" in a sentence?

You can use "resemble someone" to describe physical likeness (e.g., "She resembles her mother.") or similarities in personality (e.g., "He resembles his grandfather in his dedication to the community."). Ensure the context clarifies the aspect of resemblance.

What are some alternatives to "resemble someone"?

Alternatives include "look like someone", "take after someone" (often for family resemblances), and "bear a resemblance to someone". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "resemble to someone"?

No, the correct phrasing is "resemble someone", without the preposition "to". The verb "resemble" directly takes the object being resembled.