uneven like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uneven like" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a comparative context to describe something that is not smooth or consistent, but it requires additional information for clarity. Example: "The surface of the road was uneven like a patchwork quilt, making the drive bumpy."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

My hips are getting uneven like hers.

The New York Times

Tandoori cooking here is uneven, like tandoori cooking almost everywhere.

The New York Times

Not quite true, although the show -- handsome but very uneven, like Schad -- is certainly timely.

The New York Times - Arts

The physician noted that the skin covering the left breast was thickened and uneven, like that of an orange.

The New York Times - Magazine

"See Under: Love" is hugely ambitious, original, and uneven; like Bellow's "Adventures of Augie March," it's the work of a young man exulting in his creative powers.

The New Yorker

Rarely staged, not often recorded and generally regarded as brilliant but uneven – like so much of Busoni's work – it deserves a hearing.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The bottom is covered by an uneven mound-like feature that is 300 to 400 m thick.

Wikipedia

The sponge helps to make the paint look uneven and spotty, like it came from under your skin.

WikiHow

But the songs are uneven: some, like "Take It Like a Man" and "Awkward Age," revive the sexual politics that marked Jackson's heyday; others, like the stately but pretentious "Blue Flame" and the allegedly satirical "Thugz 'R' Us," fall flat.

The New Yorker

It was definitely my favourite year so far and I don't really like uneven numbers so I'll be pretending I'm 24 until I turn 26.

Independent

For example, Hong et al. proposed a mechanism consisting of two rimless wheels with individually actuated spokes in Intelligent Mobility Platform with Active Spoke System (IMPASS) to travel on uneven surfaces like tracks and step over obstacles like legged vehicles while retaining the simplicity of wheels [12].

Robotics and Biomimetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uneven like", ensure the comparison is clear and easily understood. Providing context will help your reader grasp the specific type of unevenness you're describing. For instance, "The stitching was "uneven like" a beginner's first sewing project."

Common error

Avoid using "uneven like" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically standard alternatives such as "irregular as", "not uniform", or more specific descriptors that directly convey the nature of the unevenness. Using these alternatives will help maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uneven like" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, providing a comparative description. It qualifies a noun by likening it to something that lacks uniformity or smoothness. Ludwig AI shows it is used in various comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uneven like" serves as a comparative adjectival phrase used to describe something that lacks uniformity or smoothness. Ludwig AI categorizes it as acceptable but suggests that its use should be carefully considered in formal contexts, where more precise and standard alternatives are preferred. While relatively common in news, science, and wiki sources, its presence is less pronounced in formal business and academic writing. The analysis indicates the importance of clear comparative context and the availability of more formal substitute phrases like "irregular as" or "not uniform", supporting the user in making informed writing choices. Ludwig provides valuable insights into its usage, assisting writers in selecting the most appropriate language for their specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsmooth like

Uses "unsmooth" as a direct synonym for "uneven", focusing on the tactile quality.

irregular as

Replaces "uneven like" with a more concise and direct comparison using "irregular".

bumpy like

Substitutes "uneven" with "bumpy", emphasizing a surface with raised portions.

lumpy like

Suggests the presence of raised bumps or masses, changing the type of unevenness described.

not uniform like

Replaces "uneven" with a more formal term "not uniform", highlighting a lack of consistency.

rough like

Replaces "uneven" with "rough", suggesting a coarse or textured surface.

jagged like

Implies sharp, irregular points or edges instead of a general unevenness.

patchy like

Focuses on an uneven distribution or coverage, rather than a surface irregularity.

variable like

Highlights the fluctuating nature of a characteristic, shifting the focus from physical surface to abstract property.

erratic like

Replaces "uneven" with "erratic", focusing on unpredictable variations.

FAQs

How can I use "uneven like" in a sentence?

"Uneven like" is used to compare something to an uneven surface or quality. For example, "The terrain was "uneven like" a field of scattered rocks." Consider using alternatives such as "irregular as" or "lumpy like" depending on the specific meaning.

What is a more formal alternative to "uneven like"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "irregular", "non-uniform", or "variable". For instance, instead of "The distribution was "uneven like" scattered seeds", use "The distribution was irregular."

Which is correct, "uneven like" or "as uneven as"?

"As uneven as" is generally considered more grammatically standard. While "uneven like" is used, it may sound less formal. For example, "The road was as uneven as a washboard" is typically preferred over "The road was "uneven like" a washboard".

What's the difference between "uneven like" and "unevenly"?

"Uneven like" is a comparative phrase that directly compares something to an uneven surface or condition. "Unevenly" is an adverb that describes how something is done in an uneven manner. For example, "The paint was applied "unevenly"", versus "The texture was "uneven like" sandpaper".