very like

USAGE SUMMARY

"very like" is correct and usable in written English, although it is more often used in spoken English.
You can use "very like" when you are comparing two things and trying to indicate that they are similar and have a lot in common. For example: "My sister and I are very like each other. We both have brown hair and green eyes, and we share a lot of the same interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm very like Simon.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If invented, they were very like conviction.

The New Yorker

MDMA is very like LSD.

The Guardian

And very like, I believe!

The New York Times - Magazine

"Not real sunlight, but very like it.

The Guardian

So it looks very like a comic.

The Guardian - Books

How very like Veneer of the Week.

The Guardian - Opinion

Eshaan's very like me in his tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The flight is very like that of a flicker.

Cornell University

In principle, then, introspection is very like inspection.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're very like-minded," Keenum said.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very like" to draw parallels between two subjects, ensuring the comparison clarifies a specific attribute or characteristic. For instance, "The painting's style is "very like" Van Gogh's, particularly in its use of color."

Common error

While acceptable, relying too heavily on "very like" in formal documents can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider stronger synonyms like "strikingly similar" or "virtually identical" to enhance precision.

Linguistic Context

"Very like" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a high degree of similarity. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in comparing diverse subjects, from artistic styles to personal behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very like" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates a strong degree of similarity between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English, although it is more common in spoken English. While versatile, writers should consider stronger synonyms to avoid overuse, especially in formal contexts. The Ludwig examples demonstrate its broad applicability across news, academic writing, and even encyclopedic entries, highlighting its function as a useful tool for comparison and description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly similar

Emphasizes a strong degree of similarity using "highly" instead of "very".

quite similar

Indicates similarity, but with a slightly reduced intensity compared to "very like".

remarkably alike

Highlights the surprising or noticeable nature of the similarity.

strikingly similar

Suggests the similarity is easily noticeable and impressive.

closely resembles

Focuses on the act of resembling, indicating a clear visual or characteristic similarity.

bears a strong resemblance to

More formal and emphasizes the presence of a significant resemblance.

practically identical

Implies an almost complete match, bordering on indistinguishable.

virtually the same

Similar to "practically identical", stressing near-perfect equivalence.

much the same as

Indicates a high degree of similarity, often used in comparisons.

in many respects similar

Highlights similarity across multiple aspects or characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "very like" to compare two things that share significant similarities. For example, "Her new song is "very like" her previous hits, maintaining the same catchy melody and relatable lyrics."

What are some alternatives to "very like"?

Alternatives include "highly similar", "quite similar", or "strikingly similar", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "very like" formal or informal?

While "very like" is grammatically correct, it leans towards the neutral side. In more formal contexts, consider stronger synonyms like "bears a strong resemblance to" for added sophistication.

What's the difference between "very like" and "somewhat like"?

"Very like" indicates a strong degree of similarity, whereas "somewhat like" suggests a weaker, less pronounced resemblance. The choice depends on the accuracy of the comparison you're making.