very alike

USAGE SUMMARY

"very alike" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that two things are very similar or nearly identical to each other. You can use "very alike" in a sentence to compare two things, people, or situations. For example: 1. "The two sisters looked very alike, with their long blonde hair and blue eyes." 2. "The two recipes are very alike, but one uses honey instead of sugar for sweetness." 3. "The two companies are very alike in terms of their business model and customer base." 4. "Many people say that twins are very alike, not just in looks but also in personality." 5. "Although they come from different cultures, their music sounds very alike as they both use similar instruments and rhythms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The two of them were very alike, Hana thought.

The New Yorker

"We're very, very alike in lots of ways – spookily so..

The Guardian - Books

We look very alike and the bond was instant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Acid Jazz and Sub Pop's logos are very alike.

The Guardian - Music

"We are opposites in almost every respect, but very alike," she told me.

The New Yorker

In some ways, they are very, very alike, in looks, for example.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But in some cases we might be interested in a notion according to which things that are very much alike in B-respects must also be very much alike in A-respects.

SEP

We are very much alike.

The New York Times

These two genera were very much alike.

University of California, Berkeley

Yet the cases were very much alike.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They were still very much alike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing multiple items, use "very alike" to emphasize a strong degree of similarity. For example, "The twins are very alike, which often confuses their teachers."

Common error

While acceptable, "very alike" can sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Opt for alternatives like "remarkably similar" or "strikingly similar" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very alike" functions primarily as a modifier, specifically an adverb-adjective combination, used to describe the degree to which two or more entities share similar characteristics. As shown by Ludwig, it serves to emphasize the intensity of the similarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very alike" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a significant degree of similarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. While primarily functioning as a modifier to emphasize the intensity of resemblance, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts, although formal settings may benefit from more refined synonyms. Its prevalence in News & Media highlights its role in communicating readily understandable comparisons. When choosing alternatives, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance and desired level of formality to ensure the most effective conveyance of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely similar

Emphasizes the high degree of similarity, using "extremely" instead of "very".

remarkably similar

Highlights the surprising or noticeable similarity between the subjects.

strikingly similar

Suggests a similarity that is immediately noticeable and impressive.

virtually identical

Indicates a near-perfect match or resemblance.

closely resemble

Focuses on the visual or superficial similarity.

bear a strong resemblance

A more formal way to express a notable similarity.

cut from the same cloth

An idiomatic expression indicating shared characteristics or origins.

mirror images

Implies a perfect or near-perfect reflection of each other.

akin to

A more sophisticated way of saying similar to.

much the same

Indicates a high degree of equivalence or interchangeability.

FAQs

How can I use "very alike" in a sentence?

Use "very alike" to describe things that share significant similarities. For instance, "The two designs are "very alike", sharing the same color palette and layout".

What are some alternatives to using "very alike"?

You can use alternatives such as "extremely similar", "remarkably similar", or "strikingly similar" to convey a similar meaning while adding variety to your writing.

Is "very alike" a formal or informal expression?

"Very alike" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more sophisticated alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between ""very alike"" and "identical"?

"Very alike" suggests a strong resemblance, while "identical" implies an exact match. If things are not perfectly the same, but share many similarities, ""very alike"" is more appropriate.