seem akin to

USAGE SUMMARY

"seem akin to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing two things that share similarities or characteristics. For example: "Her feelings seem akin to those of a long-lost friend." Alternative expressions include "appear similar to" and "seem comparable to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Is it just me, or does Mao memorabilia seem akin to Inquisition cutlery or Holocaust stemware?

The New Yorker

Her campaign might seem akin to shooting a flea with a cannon.

The New York Times

(For the Kochs and their allies a Sanders presidency would seem akin to Earth exploding).

Independent

And many Americans seem to agree that it's their job to help constituents — a service that, on the surface, may seem akin to motherhood and apple pie.

The New York Times

Although Gogol was then known primarily as a satirist, he is now appreciated as a verbal magician whose works seem akin to the absurdists of the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At times, the inner tensions of these faces seem akin to those of characters in a well-made video game: hyper-real and not nuanced enough.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

In some meaningful way, Karen Ann Quinlan seemed akin to a baby.

The New Yorker

To suggest he study theology seems akin to suggesting he study fairies.

The New York Times - Science

Marital therapy, to me, seemed akin to chemo: helpful but toxic.

The New York Times - Magazine

It seemed akin to learning how to use a clutch on a standard shift car, to ease smoothly into gear.

The New York Times

This seemed akin to, say, saluting BP for services to the environment or praising Facebook for its commitment to privacy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seem akin to" to draw a comparison that highlights shared qualities or characteristics between two distinct subjects. This phrasing adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While "seem akin to" is a perfectly valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "similar to" or "like" may be more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem akin to" functions as a linking expression, primarily used to draw comparisons and establish similarities between two different entities, ideas, or phenomena. Ludwig AI supports this by providing examples where it bridges concepts to highlight shared attributes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seem akin to" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to draw comparisons between distinct subjects. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts. When writing, consider using "seem akin to" to establish connections and analogies effectively, but avoid overuse in casual settings. Remember to adjust the verb conjugation based on the subject's plurality. Alternatives like "appear similar to" or "resemble closely" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear similar to

Focuses more on visual resemblance; slightly less emphatic than "seem akin to".

resemble closely

Highlights a strong degree of similarity, often in appearance or nature.

bear resemblance to

A more formal way of expressing similarity; suggests a recognizable likeness.

are comparable to

Emphasizes the ability to compare two things, highlighting shared characteristics.

are analogous to

Suggests a similarity based on a parallel relationship or function.

evoke the feeling of

Focuses on the emotional or sensory experience that something resembles.

remind one of

Suggests a similarity that brings something else to mind, often through association.

strike as similar to

Indicates an initial impression of similarity, often based on first glance.

parallel

Uses a single-word substitution for the full expression, implying a side-by-side comparison and close similarity.

approximate to

Highlights an approximate similarity where the specifics are close but not exact

FAQs

How can I use "seem akin to" in a sentence?

The phrase "seem akin to" is used to suggest a similarity or resemblance between two things. For example, "The artist's early work "seems akin to" the abstract expressionism of the 1950s".

What are some alternatives to "seem akin to"?

You can use alternatives such as "appear similar to", "resemble closely", or "are comparable to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "seems akin to" instead of "seem akin to"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "seem" for plural subjects (e.g., "These problems seem akin to those we faced last year"), and "seems" for singular subjects (e.g., "This problem "seems akin to" the one we faced last year").

What's the difference between "seem akin to" and "similar to"?

"Seem akin to" suggests a more thoughtful or analytical comparison, implying a deeper resemblance than a simple "similar to". "Similar to" is more direct and straightforward.