to resemble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to resemble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more things that share similar characteristics or appearances. Example: "The painting seems to resemble the style of the famous artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Turkish restaurants used to resemble ashtrays.

The New York Times

Eventually the dancers start to resemble wallpaper.

The New York Times - Arts

American dynasties tend to resemble, well, "Dynasty".

The New York Times

Jacobson claims to resemble Treslove.

The Guardian - Books

Most likely to: Resemble a technoid Camel.

The Guardian - Music

Soon enough, it came to resemble Shanghai.

The New York Times - Books

Their stories tend to resemble one another.

The New York Times

Universities would come to resemble assembly lines.

The Guardian

You will come to resemble them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Work and life begin to resemble devotion.

The New Yorker

"Now it's beginning to resemble a siege.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to resemble" when highlighting notable similarities between two or more subjects. For example, "The new building seems to resemble classical architecture."

Common error

Avoid using "to resemble" when a more precise verb like "to mirror" or "to emulate" would better capture the specific type of similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to resemble" functions as an infinitive, often used as part of a verb phrase. It describes the act of sharing similar qualities or appearances. Ludwig examples show it expressing likeness in diverse contexts, from physical appearance to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to resemble" is a versatile infinitive used to express similarity between two or more things. As Ludwig highlights, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage is very common across various domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "to look like" or "to be similar to" exist, "to resemble" offers a nuanced way of highlighting shared characteristics. Whether describing physical appearances or abstract concepts, mastering the use of this phrase can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to look like

Focuses on visual similarity.

to bear resemblance to

Highlights the existence of shared characteristics.

to be similar to

Emphasizes likeness in attributes or qualities.

to have the appearance of

Stresses the outward presentation.

to take after

Implies inherited or derived similarity, often familial.

to mirror

Suggests a direct and often exact correspondence.

to approximate

Indicates a close but not exact likeness.

to emulate

Implies an intentional effort to imitate or resemble.

to simulate

Suggests creating an artificial likeness or representation.

to parallel

Highlights the existence of similar features or developments.

FAQs

How do I use "to resemble" in a sentence?

Use "to resemble" to indicate a similarity between two things. For example, "The child's features closely "resemble" her mother's".

What can I say instead of "to resemble"?

Alternatives to "to resemble" include "to look like", "to be similar to", or "to bear resemblance to", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "to resemble" or "to resemblance"?

"To resemble" is correct. "Resemblance" is a noun, while "resemble" is a verb. The infinitive form requires the verb: "to resemble".

What is the difference between "to resemble" and "to emulate"?

"To resemble" means to be similar to something, while "to emulate" means to imitate or copy something, often with the intention of matching or surpassing it.