resembles a

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "resembles a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare something to something else. For example, "The flower resembles a rose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dressing resembles a hash.

The New York Times - Magazine

All Souls resembles a monastery.

The New Yorker

It resembles a wall.

The New York Times

Scotland already resembles a one-party state.

Independent

Its SoHo flagship resembles a library.

The Economist

The Kaiser battle resembles a political campaign.

The New York Times

The result resembles a many-faceted diamond.

The New Yorker

He sometimes resembles a genial caveman.

The New York Times - Magazine

The event resembles a giant Halloween parade.

The New York Times

It resembles a pimped-up violin.

Independent

It resembles a twelve-step A.A. meeting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resembles a", ensure that the comparison is clear and meaningful to your audience. Provide enough context so that the resemblance is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "resembles a" without specifying what it resembles and how it resembles it. A vague comparison can confuse the reader and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resembles a" functions as a linking verb, connecting the subject of the sentence to a noun or noun phrase that describes what the subject is similar to. Ludwig confirms that this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "resembles a" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to draw comparisons, indicating a similarity between two subjects. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is valid and commonly found in varied contexts, from journalistic reporting to scientific writing. It is important to ensure clarity when making comparisons to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "is similar to" or "bears a resemblance to", can provide nuanced variations in meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "resembles a" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Focuses on the similarity between two things, without necessarily implying a direct visual resemblance.

bears a resemblance to

A more formal way of saying that something looks similar to something else.

is like

A more informal way of indicating similarity.

mirrors

Suggests a very close resemblance, almost a reflection.

is reminiscent of

Implies that something brings to mind something else, often from the past.

has the appearance of

Focuses on the outward look or impression.

approximates

Suggests a close but not exact similarity.

takes after

Suggests resemblance in terms of characteristics or traits, especially in family members.

corresponds to

Suggests a matching or analogous relationship.

emulates

Implies that something deliberately imitates something else.

FAQs

What does "resembles a" mean?

The phrase "resembles a" means to have qualities or features that are similar to something else. It implies a visual or characteristic likeness between two things.

How can I use "resembles a" in a sentence?

You can use "resembles a" to compare something to another thing, highlighting their similarities. For example, "The painting "resembles a photograph" because of its hyperrealistic details."

What are some alternatives to "resembles a"?

Alternatives to "resembles a" include phrases like "is similar to", "is like", or "bears a resemblance to", which all convey a sense of similarity.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "resembles a"?

The phrase "resembles a" is appropriate in various contexts, from describing physical appearances to comparing abstract concepts. It's suitable for both formal and informal writing, though synonyms may be preferred in specific situations.