utterly unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly unlike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a complete difference or dissimilarity between two things or concepts. Example: "The two paintings are utterly unlike each other, showcasing distinct styles and techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Utterly unlike _Time_style was New Yorker style.

The New Yorker

Caleb's sisters were utterly unlike their brother.

The New Yorker

"These books are utterly unlike each other.

The Guardian - Books

Andrea Riseborough in person is utterly unlike herself on screen.

The Guardian - Film

The mood is scrappy, populist, utterly unlike the Upper East Side.

The New York Times - Food

In other ways, the Voyager missions were utterly unlike their predecessors.

The New York Times - Books

Ehrenreich's absolute separation between kinds of crowd behavior — the brutal utterly unlike the benign, the fascistic utterly unlike the anticolonial — wobbles.

The New York Times

Islamist terrorists, as 9/11 proved, behaved utterly unlike the Soviet Union.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is utterly unlike what has happened in Ukraine's two most important neighbors.

The New York Times

In outlook he was worldly, agnostic, and urbane, utterly unlike his grandfather.

Britannica

But they are utterly unlike each other, both as men and as poets.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a significant departure from the norm, "utterly unlike" can add emphasis and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly unlike" for slight variations; reserve it for situations where the dissimilarity is substantial and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly unlike" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It serves to emphasize a complete dissimilarity between two subjects. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly unlike" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that expresses a strong degree of dissimilarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Encyclopedias, though it appears most frequently in journalistic writing. It's important to reserve "utterly unlike" for situations where the differences are significant to avoid weakening its impact. Consider alternatives like "completely dissimilar" or "entirely different" for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely dissimilar

Emphasizes the total lack of similarity.

entirely different

Highlights the complete divergence between two things.

totally disparate

Stresses the fundamental incompatibility.

poles apart

Uses a figurative expression to convey extreme difference.

worlds away

Emphasizes the vast difference in terms of context or nature.

bears no resemblance

Focuses on the absence of any similarity in appearance or nature.

distinctly contrasting

Highlights the clear and obvious differences.

sharply divergent

Emphasizes a significant deviation or difference in direction or nature.

incomparable to

Suggests that the two things are so different that they cannot be compared.

a different kettle of fish

An idiomatic expression indicating a completely different situation or thing.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly unlike" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly unlike" to emphasize how different two things or concepts are. For example, "The two paintings are "utterly unlike" each other, showcasing distinct styles and techniques."

What phrases are similar to "utterly unlike"?

Alternatives include "completely dissimilar", "entirely different", or "totally disparate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "utterly unlike"?

"Utterly unlike" is best used when highlighting a significant and noticeable difference, not for minor variations. It adds emphasis to the contrast being made.

Is "utterly unlike" formal or informal?

"Utterly unlike" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its impact comes from the emphasis it adds to the difference being described, not from its level of formality.