startling resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

"startling resemblance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unexpected or shocking similarity between two things, such as when saying, "There was a startling resemblance between the two paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Soon fellow pupils noticed a startling resemblance between them.

The Guardian

Love it" bore a startling resemblance to "Hong Kong.

The Guardian

Anyone's first impression on entering is that it bears a startling resemblance to Alcatraz.

The Guardian

Valle Nevado, the closest resort to Santiago, bears a startling resemblance to Les Arcs.

The Guardian - Travel

Recently the center posted an image of a crater on Mercury that bore a startling resemblance to Mickey Mouse.

The New Yorker

Her pudding-bowl haircut and round spectacles give her a startling resemblance to the artist Stanley Spencer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Cranston bore a startling physical resemblance to Trumbo, "especially when they had him older.

The Guardian - Film

This time, "whispered speculation" bubbled up — Smith once more reaches into his quiver of tact — as "members of the Rockefeller inner circle discerned a startling visual resemblance" between the Governor and one of the Murphys' four children.

The New Yorker

This, at least, is the gist of The Curious Case of Forrest Gump, a perfectly executed skit discovered via Bright Lights that with a few deft strokes draws out the startling family resemblance between Robert Zemeckis's fond portrait of life with a low IQ and the imminent Benjamin Button – films that don't just share a writer, Eric Roth, but also a host of telltale mannerisms.

The Guardian - Film

Andy Sheppard ran through 20s vaudeville-tenor sound effects on the appropriately squawky Chicken, and a startling pad-fluttering resemblance to a trotting horse on Lone Arranger.

The Guardian

Muppets, like all other anthropomorphic puppets, are capable of the most startling and delightful resemblances to living things.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling resemblance" to describe similarities that are unexpected and grab attention. It's more impactful than a simple "resemblance".

Common error

While "startling resemblance" is widely applicable, reserve it for situations where the surprise or shock factor is relevant. In formal reports, a more neutral term like "significant similarity" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling resemblance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'startling' modifies 'resemblance', indicating a surprising or shocking similarity. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "startling resemblance" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that effectively conveys a surprising or shocking similarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it is best used when the element of surprise is relevant. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "significant similarity". Common usage involves describing unexpected parallels between people, objects, or concepts. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, reflecting its acceptance and prevalence in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected similarity

Replaces the intensity of 'startling' with the simple element of surprise.

astonishing similarity

The similarity is shocking and surprising.

striking similarity

Emphasizes the impressiveness and obviousness of the similarity, moving away from the surprise element.

noticeable likeness

Highlights that the similarity is easily observed.

incredible likeness

The likeness is hard to believe and nearly impossible.

remarkable likeness

Focuses on the visual similarity and its noteworthy nature, replacing 'startling' with a more appreciative adjective.

evident parallel

Emphasizes the clear and obvious nature of the similarity.

uncanny parallel

Highlights a mysterious and almost supernatural similarity, suggesting a deeper connection than a simple resemblance.

surprising correlation

Emphasizes the correlative nature of the relationship.

amazing correspondence

Stresses the exactness and precision of the similarity, implying a detailed match.

FAQs

How can I use "startling resemblance" in a sentence?

You can use "startling resemblance" to describe an unexpected or shocking similarity between two things. For example, "There was a startling resemblance between the suspect and the sketch."

What are some alternatives to "startling resemblance"?

Alternatives include "striking similarity", "remarkable likeness", or "unexpected similarity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "startling resemblance" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral, suitable for both news articles and casual conversation. However, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "significant similarity".

What does it mean when something has a "startling resemblance" to something else?

It means that the two things share a similarity that is both noticeable and unexpected, often causing a sense of surprise or shock.