wholly alike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly alike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that are completely similar or identical in nature or characteristics. Example: "The two paintings are wholly alike, sharing the same colors and brush strokes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It applies to all alike, and requires payment for the privilege of running the cars of the company, regardless of the fact whether used in interstate traffic or in that which is wholly within the borders of the state...

Cornell University

Are all bulimics alike?

Independent

They all looked alike.

The New York Times

They all look alike.

Forbes

His Telegraph column today steers a careful course between the cliches of Left and Right alike, neither wholly damning nor endorsing either.

The Guardian

All cities are alike.

The New York Times

And critics and supporters alike say some companies depend wholly on the program's requirements to get jobs, and have no plans to expand so that they no longer qualify for government help.

The New York Times

But art and weight lifting have engrossed her, because she is good at both, because they are alike and because they are different -- one wholly subjective, the other completely objective.

The New York Times - Sports

In Newhouse's opinion, Thatcher was a difficult subject for a profile-writer or a biographer, because "most who know her — friends and foes alike — [say] that she is one dimensional and wholly lacking in humor and subtlety".

The New Yorker

"But as long as people like Lahren continue to push a specious agenda that suggests today's immigrants are somehow wholly different from previous ones, I'll keep showing just how alike they really are".

Vice

That said, most scholars, linguists, and women alike would agree that the word hasn't really been rehabilitated to mean something wholly positive.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly alike" to emphasize a complete and undeniable similarity. This phrase is stronger than simply saying "similar".

Common error

Avoid using "wholly alike" when the similarities are only superficial or partial. Reserve it for situations where the identity is complete and undeniable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly alike" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying an adjective. It serves to emphasize the degree to which two or more things are similar, indicating that they share an identical nature.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wholly alike" is a grammatically correct adverbial intensifier used to emphasize a complete and undeniable similarity. Although Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as valid, the phrase is not frequently used, indicating that it may be relatively formal. Consider using the phrase to assert complete identity in formal, professional or scientific contexts and avoiding it in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely identical

Emphasizes the complete and exact correspondence between two or more things.

Entirely similar

Focuses on the comprehensive similarity, leaving little to no room for differences.

Absolutely the same

Simple and direct way to express total identity without any deviation.

Perfectly analogous

Highlights the parallel or corresponding aspects in a very precise way.

Identical in every respect

Stresses the total agreement in all possible details or characteristics.

Indistinguishable

Suggests that it is impossible to tell the difference between the items being compared.

Uniform throughout

Indicates consistency and lack of variation across the entire subject.

A carbon copy

Figurative language to denote something which is an exact duplicate.

Mirror images

Used to describe items where one is the reflected duplicate of the other.

Cut from the same cloth

Idiomatic expression suggesting that two things are inherently alike in nature or origin.

FAQs

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

Use "wholly alike" to describe two or more things that are completely similar or identical. For example, "The two reports were "wholly alike", with no discernible differences".

What is a good alternative to "wholly alike"?

Alternatives include "completely identical", "entirely similar", or "perfectly analogous", depending on the nuances you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely wholly alike"?

Yes, saying "completely "wholly alike"" is redundant, as "wholly" already implies completeness. Choose one or the other.

In what contexts is "wholly alike" most appropriate?

"Wholly alike" is suitable in formal writing and situations where precision and emphasis on complete similarity are required. It may sound overly formal in casual conversation.