resembling what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resembling what" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to inquire about the specific thing or quality that something resembles. Example: "The painting is beautiful, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is resembling what."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The self-healing behavior is actually a dynamic property of material, resembling what is possessed by nature living systems.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

Ten years from now the church will be nothing resembling what it has been".

The Guardian - Music

For players and spectators, it promises a tableau resembling what many hockey historians think was the first organized game played in the United States, on Nov. 17, 1883.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, today the U.S. government does have something resembling what political scientists call an "autonomous" civil service — that is, a federal bureaucracy sheltered from political winds.

The Washington Post

Rodriguez has made little impact on the Yankees in his late-summer cameo, hardly resembling what he is: a catcher with Cooperstown credentials.

The New York Times - Sports

Online shoppers are now more likely to find coupons, rebates or free shipping -- deals often resembling what many retailers have been offering offline, industry experts say.

The New York Times

If they instituted a policy architecture resembling what had come before, maybe they could contain the chaos emanating from the Oval Office.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The offense resembled what Luck had mastered.

The New York Times - Sports

So much so it closely resembles what was finally published".

Independent

The fatter, juicier oyster resembled what McDonnell lauded.

The Washington Post

The routine resembled what Rizzo had seen at Navy.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resembling what", ensure the context clearly defines what is being resembled to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The structure resembling what a bird's nest should be carefully constructed."

Common error

Avoid using "resembling what" when a direct comparison is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can lead to convoluted sentences. Instead of saying "The car's design, resembling what a futuristic vehicle should be, was innovative", try "The car's design resembled a futuristic vehicle"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resembling what" functions as a comparative element, indicating a similarity between two things. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing physical appearance, behavior, or characteristics that are alike. It introduces a point of comparison, clarifying the nature of the resemblance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resembling what" is a versatile phrase used to draw comparisons, highlighting similarities between different entities. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted, appearing frequently in news, science, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "similar to what" or "like what" exist, "resembling what" offers a specific nuance that emphasizes the act of resembling. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the comparison is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to what

Focuses on the similarity rather than the act of resembling.

akin to what

More formal, suggesting a closer, essential relationship.

like what

More informal and direct, suitable for casual contexts.

comparable to what

Emphasizes the ability to compare and find similarities.

reminiscent of what

Suggests a similarity that evokes memories or associations.

bearing a resemblance to what

More descriptive and emphatic about the likeness.

of a similar nature to what

Formal and descriptive, highlighting the shared nature or essence.

along the lines of what

Indicates a general similarity or approximation.

in the likeness of what

Suggests a visual or representational similarity.

mirroring what

Implies a direct and close reflection or imitation.

FAQs

How can I use "resembling what" in a sentence?

Use "resembling what" to describe something that shares similar characteristics with something else. For example, "The dish, resembling what my grandmother used to make, brought back fond memories."

What are some alternatives to "resembling what"?

You can use alternatives like "similar to what", "akin to what", or "like what" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "resembling to what" instead of "resembling what"?

No, the correct phrase is "resembling what". The preposition "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "resembling what" and "similar to what"?

"Resembling what" focuses on the act of resembling, while "similar to what" emphasizes the state of being similar. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can slightly alter the meaning.