that resembles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that resembles" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a similar appearance or characteristics to something else. Example: "The painting features a landscape that resembles the rolling hills of Tuscany."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I need one that resembles a prosthesis.

The New York Times - Sports

A programming environment that resembles OpenCL is provided.

Procedia Computer Science

Still later, there's a coastline that resembles Big Sur's.

The New York Times

The tiny revolver that resembles a hearing aid.

The New Yorker

The People's Liverpool is a memory that resembles a mirage.

The New York Times - Sports

It retains a simplicity that resembles no other major holiday.

The New York Times

There is nothing that resembles America's religious right.

The Economist

There is something about Andy Murray's stubbornness that resembles art.

The Guardian - Sport

"Not simply a sound that resembles a word".

The New Yorker

The pattern has swirling foliage that resembles fiddlehead ferns.

The New York Times - Arts

There's nothing about it that resembles a police station.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that resembles" to clearly indicate a similarity or likeness between two things. This phrase works well in both descriptive and analytical writing to draw parallels and highlight shared characteristics.

Common error

Be specific when using "that resembles". Instead of saying "The dish had a flavor that resembles something familiar", specify what the flavor is similar to, such as "The dish had a flavor that resembles Thai green curry."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that resembles" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by providing additional descriptive information about it. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The clause specifies a similarity in appearance, form, or characteristics between two entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that resembles" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to highlight similarities between two subjects. Its function as a relative clause allows for precise description and comparison across diverse contexts. With a neutral register, it finds frequent application in news, scientific literature, and general discourse. When using this phrase, be sure to provide specific details to avoid vague comparisons and ensure clarity in your writing. Explore alternatives like "that looks like" or "that is similar to" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is similar to

Emphasizes a general similarity without necessarily implying a visual likeness.

that looks like

Focuses specifically on visual similarity or appearance.

that mirrors

Implies a close and often exact correspondence.

that echoes

Suggests a partial or weaker similarity, often in abstract qualities.

that approximates

Indicates an estimation or near resemblance, without being exact.

that corresponds to

Highlights a direct relationship or matching in terms of structure or function.

that is analogous to

Draws a comparison highlighting similarities in certain aspects, often for explanatory purposes.

that bears a resemblance to

Formally acknowledges a similarity, suitable for more academic or technical contexts.

that is akin to

Suggests a natural similarity or kinship.

that simulates

Indicates that it creates an artificial version of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "that resembles" to describe something that has a similar appearance or characteristics to something else. For example, "The cloud formation is something "that resembles an animal"".

What are some alternatives to "that resembles"?

Some alternatives include "that looks like", "that is similar to", or "that mirrors" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "that resembles" or "that resemble"?

"That resembles" is used when referring to a singular antecedent, while "that resemble" would be used for a plural antecedent. For example, "The pattern that resembles flowers is popular" versus "The patterns that resemble flowers are popular".

What's the difference between "that resembles" and "that reminds of"?

"That resembles" focuses on a similarity in appearance or characteristics, while "that reminds of" focuses on triggering a memory or association. For example, "The painting that resembles a sunset" (similarity) versus "The painting that reminds me of my childhood" (memory).