very much like

USAGE SUMMARY

"very much like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate similarity between two objects or ideas. For example, "The new model bore a resemblance to the older one, very much like an older brother and younger sister."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very much like this.

Independent

Very much like Daisy".

The New York Times

Very much like, actually.

Princeton University

"It's very much like wine".

The New York Times - Travel

It's very much like Broadway.

The New Yorker

It's very much like Augusta".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's very much like electricity.

The New York Times

"That makes it very much like 1994".

The New York Times

He sounded very much like a Marine.

The New York Times

We would very much like to know.

The New York Times

Owen was very much like me.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very much like" to draw comparisons that highlight similarities, making your descriptions more vivid and relatable. For example, "The experience was very much like stepping into a dream."

Common error

While "very much like" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using stronger, more precise synonyms like "closely resembles" or "virtually identical to" to add variety and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very much like" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or adjective, indicating a strong degree of similarity or resemblance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, emphasizing its role in drawing comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very much like" is a commonly used adverbial phrase employed to highlight significant similarities between two subjects. Ludwig AI's analysis affirms its grammatical correctness and versatile applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and business settings. While generally neutral in register, its informality should be considered in formal writing, where more sophisticated synonyms may be preferred. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively leverage "very much like" to enhance clarity and create vivid comparisons in their writing. Alternatives such as "closely resembles" or "highly reminiscent of" offer stylistic variations for achieving nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost the same as

A more straightforward way of expressing similarity.

much the same as

Highlights that the degree of sameness is significant.

closely resembles

Highlights the close physical or conceptual similarity.

comparable to

Suggests that the two things can be compared because of their similarities.

quite similar to

Emphasizes similarity but uses "quite" instead of "very much".

bears a strong resemblance to

Formal and emphasizes the visual or apparent similarity.

akin to

A more sophisticated way of saying similar or related.

highly reminiscent of

Suggests a strong recall or likeness to something in the past.

not unlike

Uses a double negative to affirm similarity.

virtually identical to

Indicates a near-perfect match or indistinguishable similarity.

FAQs

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

Use "very much like" to compare two things, highlighting their similarities. For instance, "Her painting style is "reminiscent of" Van Gogh, or her new song is "very much like" her previous hit".

What are some alternatives to "very much like"?

You can use phrases such as "closely resembles", "highly reminiscent of", or "virtually identical to" as alternatives to "very much like", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "very much like" or "similar to"?

Both phrases indicate similarity, but "very much like" often suggests a stronger degree of resemblance. "Similar to" is a more general comparison, while "very much like" implies a more striking likeness. Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of similarity you want to express.

Can "very much like" be used in formal writing?

While acceptable, "very much like" might be perceived as informal in highly formal contexts. Consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "bears a strong resemblance to" or "akin to" for a more professional tone.