very unlike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very unlike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a significant difference or dissimilarity between two things. Example: "The two paintings are very unlike each other in style and color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's very unlike her".

The New Yorker

"He's very unlike Martin.

The Guardian - Sport

Very unlike me, anyway.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's very unlike James," she said.

The New York Times

"This is very unlike traditional therapy.

The New York Times

HOW very unlike itself Canada is behaving.

The Economist

"It seems very unlike him," Ms. Heit, 38, said.

The New York Times

'It's actually very unlike them,' he goes on.

The Guardian - Sport

Typically, his answer boils down to: people very unlike him.

The Guardian - Books

The ecotowns are very unlike new towns, in interesting ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

.. very unlike the cramped conditions in London theatres".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very unlike" to emphasize a stark contrast between two subjects, making the distinction clear and memorable for the reader.

Common error

Avoid repeating the phrase "very unlike" multiple times within a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or alternative expressions such as "quite dissimilar" or "markedly different".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "very unlike" is to act as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It serves to describe something by emphasizing its dissimilarity to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very unlike" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that serves to emphasize a strong dissimilarity between two subjects. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in News & Media, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, writers should aim for impactful contrasts and avoid overuse in close proximity. For alternatives, consider "quite dissimilar" or "markedly different" to maintain clarity and avoid repetition. The analysis of the provided example sentences demonstrates consistent usage across diverse sources, affirming its reliability and versatility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite dissimilar

Replaces "very unlike" with a different adjective emphasizing the lack of similarity, maintaining a formal tone.

markedly different

Highlights a significant difference, suggesting a noticeable contrast between the subjects being compared.

distinctly contrasting

Emphasizes the contrasting nature of the subjects, implying a clear divergence in their characteristics.

entirely different

Indicates a complete lack of resemblance or commonality, suggesting a fundamental distinction.

bears little resemblance to

A more formal way of expressing dissimilarity, suggesting that the subjects share few, if any, similar traits.

a far cry from

Suggests a significant deviation or change, implying that the current state is substantially different from a previous one.

nothing like

A more informal way of saying that something is completely different from something else.

worlds apart

Emphasizes the vast difference between two things, often suggesting they are incompatible or incomparable.

opposites

Simplifies the comparison to a direct contrast, indicating that the subjects are diametrically opposed.

not at all similar

Directly states the absence of similarity, providing a clear and unambiguous comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "very unlike" to compare two things and emphasize their differences. For example, "This movie is very unlike the director's previous work."

What are some alternatives to "very unlike"?

Alternatives include "quite dissimilar", "markedly different", or "entirely different". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "very unlike" or "not very like"?

"Very unlike" is generally a stronger and more direct way to express dissimilarity compared to "not very like". The latter can sound weaker and less assertive.

What is the difference between "unlike" and "very unlike"?

While both express dissimilarity, "very unlike" emphasizes a greater degree of difference. It indicates a significant and noticeable contrast, whereas "unlike" simply states that the two things are not the same.