uncanny resemblance

USAGE SUMMARY

'uncanny resemblance' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Example sentence: His uncanny resemblance to his late father made it hard for his siblings to look at him without feeling sad.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What an uncanny resemblance.

The Guardian

Doppelgängers, twins, mirror-reflections and uncanny resemblance?

The New York Times

He even bears an uncanny resemblance to Orson Welles.

The New York Times

Rihanna's fans saw an uncanny resemblance between Brown and O'Shaughnessy.

The New Yorker

The parties' logos bear an uncanny resemblance to one another.

The Guardian

The teams' second game in nine days bore an uncanny resemblance to the first.

Princeton University

On arrival, it bears an uncanny resemblance to a Degas masterpiece stolen from the Gardner Museum.

The New York Times - Books

Despite that, Aleesha had an uncanny resemblance to Holly, as if she were Holly's double.

The New Yorker

The national politics is coming to bear an uncanny resemblance.(Picture credit: AFP).

The Economist

Both turn around; as they both register the uncanny resemblance, the elevator door closes.

The New York Times

According to Cézanne's friend Emile Bernard, the figure of Moses bore an uncanny resemblance to Cézanne.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncanny resemblance" to describe similarities that are striking or surprising, often implying a sense of mystery or unease.

Common error

Avoid using "uncanny resemblance" for minor or trivial similarities. This phrase suggests a profound and often unsettling degree of likeness. Instead use words like 'similar' or 'alike'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncanny resemblance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a high degree of similarity that is surprising or mysterious. Ludwig examples show various contexts, emphasizing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncanny resemblance" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe striking and often surprising similarities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to both formal and informal settings. Related phrases such as "striking similarity" or "remarkable likeness" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with subtle nuances. When using the term, ensure the context warrants the implication of a surprising or almost supernatural degree of likeness, avoiding overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striking similarity

Emphasizes the impressiveness and obviousness of the similarity.

remarkable likeness

Highlights the noteworthiness of the similarity in appearance.

eerie similarity

Focuses on the unsettling or strange nature of the similarity.

close parallel

Suggests a strong and detailed correspondence.

twin-like similarity

Implies the resemblance is so strong it is like twins.

notable correspondence

Indicates an important or significant similarity.

exceptional alikeness

Highlights the unusual degree of similarity.

noticeable match

Focuses on the easily observed similarity.

distinctive parallel

Emphasizes that the correspondence is strong and easily perceived.

unusual correspondence

Highlights the unexpectedness of the similarity.

FAQs

How to use "uncanny resemblance" in a sentence?

You can use "uncanny resemblance" to describe a striking similarity between two things or people. For example, "The painting had an "uncanny resemblance" to his mother".

What can I say instead of "uncanny resemblance"?

You can use alternatives like "striking similarity", "remarkable likeness", or "eerie similarity" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "uncanny resemblance" and "remarkable likeness"?

"Uncanny resemblance" often implies a sense of mystery or something unsettling about the similarity, while "remarkable likeness" simply emphasizes how noteworthy the similarity is.

Is it appropriate to use "uncanny resemblance" in formal writing?

Yes, "uncanny resemblance" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize a striking or surprising similarity. The formality depends on the surrounding language, not the phrase itself.