unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

'unlike' is a correct and common word in written English.
You can use it to contrast two things that are not the same. For example, "Unlike most mammals, fish lack eyelids and external ears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need to remind ourselves that QAA (unlike Ofsted) does not directly assess quality: it assesses how autonomous universities assess the quality of what they themselves do.

The Guardian

Unlike the most reliable form of protection, a condom, it is the woman, not the man, who makes the ultimate choice about whether to use the gel.

The Economist

The UN is not the obvious forum for discussing debt restructuring: unlike the International Monetary Fund, it is not a lender of last resort with emergency cash to disburse, and doesn't have a seat around the table when countries have to go to their creditors to ask for help.

The Guardian - Business

Unlike in Iceland, however, the teams who finished above them were all beaten on their way to winning the title.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike some of its rivals it avoided major costs for litigation and legal expenses.

The Guardian - Business

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some birds of prey also thrived on grouse moors because of these plentiful food supplies: merlin were four times more numerous on grouse moors than in other locations (although this may be because, unlike hen harriers, they are too small to kill grouse).

The Guardian

That is very English, I think.' She likes the English and feels comfortable with them, unlike in Los Angeles, where she does not really feel a part of things.

The Guardian - Film

Unlike those on Qeshm, Hormuz island inhabitants are in no way wealthy, and so it will be capital brought from outside the island that will dictate the rules.

The Guardian

Unlike many parts of the country where women have shed traditional regional attire, the women of Qeshm and Hormuz mostly wear the colourful bandari pants, loose at the top and tight at the bottom with vibrant embroidery.

The Guardian

This state of affairs is doubly extraordinary because, unlike the 1930s or late 19th century, there is a welfare state – even if it is under assault from the coalition – which thankfully underwrites collective demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unlike", ensure that the elements being compared are of the same type or category to maintain clarity and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid comparing dissimilar elements with "unlike". For instance, instead of saying "Unlike a car, happiness is not material", rephrase it to "Unlike the experience of owning a car, happiness is not a material possession" to ensure a logical comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "unlike" is to serve as a preposition to introduce a contrasting element. This preposition indicates a difference or dissimilarity between two subjects, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unlike" is a preposition used to highlight the differences between two elements. As a common word, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's crucial to use it correctly by comparing similar categories and avoiding mismatched comparisons. Alternatives such as "in contrast to" or "dissimilarly to" can be used to add variety to your writing, while being mindful of maintaining clarity. Leveraging these insights, you can effectively enhance your writing with precise comparisons and contrasts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in contrast to

Highlights a direct opposition or difference between two elements.

as opposed to

Suggests a clear choice or preference between two options or characteristics.

differing from

Focuses on the act of being different or deviating from a norm or standard.

contrary to

Indicates a contradiction or direct opposition to what is expected or believed.

distinct from

Emphasizes the separateness and clear differentiation between two things.

dissimilarly to

Emphasizes the differing manner or way in which things are done or exist.

deviating from

Highlights the action of departing or straying from a set course, standard, or expectation.

not in accordance with

Formally expresses that something does not align or agree with a set standard or expectation.

in divergence with

Highlights the act of moving away from a common point or characteristic.

varied from

Simple way to express something that changes or presents small modifications from something else.

FAQs

How do you use "unlike" in a sentence?

"Unlike" is used to show a contrast between two things. For example, "Unlike cats, dogs are often more sociable".

What's the difference between "unlike" and "different from"?

"Unlike" and "different from" both express contrast, but "unlike" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce the contrasting element. "Different from" can be used more flexibly within a sentence. For example, "My opinion is "different from yours"".

What can I say instead of "unlike"?

You can use alternatives like "in contrast to", "dissimilarly to", or "as opposed to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "unlikely" instead of "unlike" in certain contexts?

No, "unlikely" and "unlike" have different meanings. "Unlike" expresses a contrast or dissimilarity, while "unlikely" means improbable or not likely to happen. For example, "It's "unlikely to rain today"".