resembles

USAGE SUMMARY

"resembles" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something or someone looks or behaves similarly to something or someone else. For example, "The painting of the lake resembles a beautiful dreamscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Arts

Sport

Opinion

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The works, which he trailed on his Instagram account last night, include one piece which somewhat resembles Rodin's sculpture The Thinker, with the figure's hand gone from thoughtfully supporting his face to covering it in despair – or perhaps Niobe, the classical figure weeping for the loss of her children.

The Guardian - Arts

7 alleé du Jardin Madame, Villerville, [phone], bellevue-hotel.fr, doubles from €97 Lion-sur-Mer on the Côte de Nacre, the "pearl coast", resembles an Edward Hopper landscape, with its long sandy beach marked by an archaic lifeguard's lookout.

The Guardian - Travel

One day, when her parents are out shopping, she finds a secret passageway connecting her house to a warped reality that resembles the real world.

The Guardian

Given that your chart resembles the one at the top of this article, you're about done!

WikiHow

In a large mixing bowl, rub the butter and lard into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is called a double turn, or a book fold, as it resembles a book closing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ukip did especially well, says Ford, in "declining northern towns", places that Labour would once have called its own but where the party often resembles a hollowed-out, ghostly presence from the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

And she has played plenty (and won plenty) on the American Har-Tru, which resembles its earthier counterpart but only somewhat.

The Guardian - Sport

The increase in Lib Dem membership resembles what was dubbed the Green surge, when thousands of people joined the Green party after it was excluded from broadcasters' initial proposals for a TV debate in January this year.

The Guardian

It is certainly conserving some kind of chimeric confection that resembles a wildcat but it certainly isn't the Scottish wildcat.

The Guardian - Opinion

At their best, their freewheeling style sort of resembles Marcelo Bielsa's Athletic Bilbao last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the degree of similarity you wish to convey. "Resembles" suggests a notable similarity, but not necessarily an exact match.

Common error

Avoid using "resembles" when the similarity is superficial or trivial. Overstating the resemblance can weaken your argument or description.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resembles" is that of a transitive verb. It connects a subject with an object that shares similar characteristics. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function, demonstrating its active role in expressing similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Arts

7%

Sport

7%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resembles" is a versatile transitive verb used to indicate that something shares similar characteristics or appearance with something else. According to Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, from news and media to lifestyle and academic writing. It is crucial to ensure clarity in comparisons and avoid overstating resemblances. Alternative phrases such as "is similar to" or "looks like" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Pay close attention to the degree of similarity you wish to convey and the specific context in which you are using the term, and this will improve the precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Emphasizes a general similarity without specifying the degree or nature of resemblance.

looks like

Focuses specifically on visual similarity or appearance.

bears a resemblance to

More formal and highlights the existence of a notable similarity.

mirrors

Suggests a very close or exact similarity, like a reflection.

approximates

Indicates a rough similarity or likeness, without being exact.

echoes

Suggests a faint or indirect similarity, often in style or theme.

is reminiscent of

Implies a similarity that evokes memories or associations.

has the characteristics of

Highlights shared traits or features.

emulates

Indicates imitation or striving to resemble something admired.

presents as

Describes an outward appearance or impression that is similar to something else.

FAQs

How to use "resembles" in a sentence?

Use "resembles" to indicate that something has similar qualities or appearance to something else. For example, "This cloud "resembles a dragon"".

What can I say instead of "resembles"?

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

Is it correct to say "resembles to"?

No, the correct usage is "resembles" followed directly by the object it is similar to, without the preposition "to". For example, "The painting resembles a photograph", not "resembles to a photograph".

What's the difference between "resembles" and "mimics"?

"Resembles" implies a similarity in appearance or qualities, while "mimics" suggests an intentional imitation or copying of something. For example, a child might mimic a parent, while a building might resemble another in style.