resembling but differing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resembling but differing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two things that share similarities yet have distinct differences. Example: "The two species are resembling but differing in their mating rituals, which sets them apart in their natural habitats."

✓ Grammatically correct

Polymer

BMC Veterinary Research

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nature

Plosone

eLife

GigaScience

Acta Neuropathologica

Independent

Britannica

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases

Agricultural Systems

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Botanical Studies

Emerging Infectious Diseases

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

University of California, Berkeley

Stanford University

The Guardian - Opinion

Columbia University

Forbes

SEP

BMC Ecology

Globalization and Health

BMJ Quality and Safety

Behaviour Research and Therapy

Biology Direct

BMC Medical Ethics

Current Psychiatry Reports

Cancer Medicine

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Huffington Post

Duke University

The Guardian - Music

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At lower strain rate, lamellar habits resemble, but differ from, those characteristic of quiescent growth.

Polymer

We conclude that the adenovirus in the four bottlenose dolphins closely resembles, but differed from previously detected adenoviruses in marine mammals.

BMC Veterinary Research

Rickettsiae microorganisms that resemble bacteria but differ in that they are intracellular parasites that reproduce inside cells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The laminae in these ridges are stacked into what superficially resemble climbing ripples, but differ in that thicker laminae appear on the down-current side.

Nature

With regard to these genes, ST883 and ST1303 resemble each other but differ from CC75.

Plosone

RPE and RPE-capped drusen, measured in this study, resembled each other but differed from BrM particles by being more enriched in FA and PC (by factors of ∼2), and much less enriched in UC.

Plosone

Conversely, L4 neurons resembled L5A neurons but differed from L2/3 neurons in Vr, AP width, and Vthresh − Vr.

eLife

In this regard, P. vitticeps microchromosomes resemble those of birds but differ markedly from those of A. carolinensis, whose GC content more closely resembles that of the macrochromosomes [ 33].

GigaScience

The term larva also applies to young that resemble the adult form but differ from it in some substantial respect, as in possessing organs not present in the adult or in lacking an important structure (apart from sex glands and associated parts, which tend to develop later in life in most animals).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is similar to many other pediatric neoplasms that resemble an adult counterpart, but differ genetically and biologically [ 34, 110].

Acta Neuropathologica

Atheists and humanist experience wonder and awe in ways that sometimes resembles but often differs from the way that the religious people respond to the unknown.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resembling but differing", ensure that you clarify both the similarities and the differences to provide a comprehensive comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "resembling but differing" without specifying how the subjects resemble each other and how they differ. Provide concrete examples for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resembling but differing" functions as a comparative connector. It sets up a comparison between two or more subjects, indicating that they share common attributes while also possessing distinct differences, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resembling but differing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to draw comparisons while highlighting both similarities and distinctions. Ludwig's analysis shows it is considered correct and usable in written English. The phrase is relatively rare, appearing across various contexts like science, encyclopedias, and news. To ensure effective communication, providing specific details about the similarities and differences is important. Alternatives like "similar yet distinct" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar yet distinct

Emphasizes the similarity while acknowledging a clear distinction.

alike but not the same

Highlights the likeness but underscores the ultimate difference.

comparable but divergent

Suggests a basis for comparison that leads to a point of divergence.

shares similarities but has differences

States the presence of similarities and differences explicitly.

resembles with variations

Focuses on the resemblance aspect, adding the element of variations.

bears resemblance but is distinct

Highlights the resemblance and explicitly points out a distinct quality.

exhibits similarity but differs

Uses more formal language to state similarity and difference.

akin but not identical

Emphasizes a kinship while asserting a lack of complete identity.

related but differentiated

Suggests a relationship, with a subsequent process of differentiation.

corresponding but contrastive

Indicates correspondence, highlighting a contrasting aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "resembling but differing" in a sentence?

Use "resembling but differing" to compare two or more subjects, highlighting shared traits alongside distinctions. For instance, "The two species are "similar yet distinct", resembling each other in habitat but differing in diet".

What are some alternatives to "resembling but differing"?

Alternatives include "alike but not the same", "similar yet distinct", or "comparable but divergent". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say something is "resembling but differing"?

While seemingly contradictory, "resembling but differing" emphasizes that while there are notable similarities, the differences are significant enough to warrant attention. It's not inherently redundant if the context requires emphasizing both aspects.

In what contexts is "resembling but differing" most appropriate?

"Resembling but differing" is often used in academic, scientific, and formal contexts where precise comparison is necessary. It's suitable when analyzing nuanced similarities and differences between subjects.