which resembles

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "which resembles" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe a noun or pronoun that has a similar appearance or characteristics to something else. Example: The new sculpture in the park, which resembles a giant flower, has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos. In this sentence, "which resembles a giant flower" describes the noun "sculpture" and indicates its similarity to a flower.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This bald ruin, which resembles a tortoise?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

project, which resembles a huge effervescent egg.

The New York Times

First, note its radical shape, which resembles a spacecraft fuselage.

The New York Times - Tech

Take Georges Duboeuf's 2000 Beaujolais-Villages, which resembles bottled springtime.

The New York Times

Produced by Formfreud, a family-run company in Potsdam, Germany, the collection includes Karl Klassik, which resembles a Volkswagen Beetle; Minna Mini, which resembles a British Leyland Mini; and Tom Tempo, which resembles an Audi TT.

The New York Times

It approves of this place, which resembles a massive seed hull.

The New Yorker

Shannon, meanwhile, rubs his white hair, which resembles a kind of grandad mohawk, with a towel.

The Guardian - Sport

3. C.O.R. flooring is made of compressed ash or poplar, which resembles bamboo.

The New York Times

The modernist house, which resembles a James Bond hideaway, is in a pine forest.

The New Yorker

A corn bunting emitted its distinctive cry, which resembles jangling keys.

The New Yorker

The multitiered dessert cart, which resembles a parade float, makes kids swoon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which resembles" to draw comparisons between objects, concepts, or ideas to enhance understanding for your reader. Be specific in what aspects the items resemble each other.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "which resembles" something else without clarifying the specific points of comparison. Provide concrete details to make the resemblance clear and meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which resembles" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or nonessential) clause, that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It adds descriptive information about the noun by indicating a similarity between it and something else, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which resembles" is a versatile relative clause used to draw comparisons and provide descriptive detail. Grammatically correct and very common, its usage spans across various contexts from News & Media to Science. Ludwig AI confirms its role in enhancing understanding through similarity. While alternatives like "that mirrors" or "that is similar to" exist, "which resembles" offers a balanced tone suitable for diverse writing styles. The most common error involves failing to specify the exact aspect of resemblance, which reduces clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is similar to

A more direct and explicit way of stating similarity.

that is comparable to

Highlights aspects worthy of comparison.

that mirrors

Emphasizes a close and accurate correspondence or reflection.

that is analogous to

Highlights a similarity in function or relationship, rather than appearance.

that corresponds to

Indicates a direct relationship or alignment, often in a structured way.

that parallels

Suggests a side-by-side similarity or development.

that approximates

Suggests an estimation or near resemblance, not an exact match.

that is akin to

Implies a natural or inherent similarity, often in quality or character.

that echoes

Implies a partial or suggestive resemblance, like a faint echo.

that emulates

Suggests imitation with the intent to equal or surpass.

FAQs

How can I use "which resembles" in a sentence?

Use "which resembles" to connect a nonrestrictive clause to a noun, describing its similarity to something else. For example, "The sculpture, which resembles a bird in flight, is made of recycled metal."

What's a formal alternative to "which resembles"?

In formal writing, you might use alternatives like "that mirrors" or "that is analogous to" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "which resembles" differ from "that resembles"?

"Which resembles" introduces a nonrestrictive (additional, non-essential) clause, while "that resembles" would introduce a restrictive (essential) clause. Using "which" implies the information is extra context, whereas "that" is defining.

Can I use "which resembles" to compare abstract concepts?

Yes, "which resembles" isn't limited to physical objects. You can use it to compare abstract concepts or ideas, such as, "Her leadership style, which resembles a collaborative approach, fosters teamwork".