- Do you ever wonder if you’re using “resemblance” correctly, or if there’s a more natural way to express it?
- Have you tried to say someone looks like another person, but felt your English sounded a bit clunky or too direct?
- Are you looking for ways to make your descriptions of similarities more vivid and native-like?
Mastering collocations isn’t just about sounding more fluent; it’s about communicating with precision, clarity, and the natural rhythm of English. When you learn words like “resemblance” with their usual partners, you unlock a deeper understanding of the language, reduce awkward phrasing, and build confidence in expressing subtle nuances. Dive in to discover how to use “resemblance” like a true English speaker!
Essential Collocations using RESEMBLANCE as a Noun
The word “resemblance” functions primarily as a noun in modern English, referring to the state or quality of being alike. Understanding its typical partners (verbs, adjectives, and prepositions) is key to using it effectively.
Verbs That Express Resemblance
These verbs tell us how resemblance is observed, shared, or noted. They are crucial for creating natural-sounding sentences.
- bear a resemblance (to): This is one of the most common and versatile collocations. It means to be similar or to show similarity to someone or something.
Example: “He bears a strong resemblance to his grandfather.”
Example: “The new building bears a striking resemblance to a famous Roman temple.”
- share a resemblance (with): Used when two or more things or people have similarities in common.
Example: “The two sisters share a remarkable resemblance, though they are not twins.”
Example: “Our designs share a subtle resemblance with some historical patterns.”
- have a resemblance (to): A more direct and slightly less formal way to say ‘bear a resemblance’.
Example: “She has a slight resemblance to a famous actress.”
Example: “The software has a strong resemblance to its predecessor.”
- strike a resemblance (to): Similar to ‘bear’, but often implies a sudden or noticeable similarity. Less common than ‘bear’ or ‘have’.
Example: “Her posture strikes a clear resemblance to her mother’s.”
- detect a resemblance: To notice or find a similarity, often after careful observation.
Example: “Only after looking closely could I detect a faint resemblance between the two paintings.”
Adjectives Describing the Type and Degree of Resemblance
These adjectives help you specify how strong or what kind of resemblance you are talking about.
- striking resemblance: A very noticeable, strong, and often surprising similarity.
Example: “There’s a striking resemblance between the old photograph and her current appearance.”
- close/strong resemblance: Indicates a high degree of similarity.
Example: “The two brothers have a very close resemblance; people often mistake them for each other.”
Example: “His argument bears a strong resemblance to the one presented in the previous meeting.”
- remarkable resemblance: A similarity that is noteworthy or extraordinary.
Example: “It’s a remarkable resemblance, considering they are not related.”
- uncanny resemblance: A similarity that is mysterious, unsettling, or surprisingly accurate.
Example: “The robot had an uncanny resemblance to a human being.”
- family resemblance: Similarities in appearance or character shared by members of the same family.
Example: “You can definitely see the family resemblance in their facial features.”
- passing resemblance: A slight, brief, or superficial similarity. It means they look a little bit alike, but not strongly.
Example: “He bore only a passing resemblance to the person described in the report.”
- faint/slight resemblance: A very small or hardly noticeable similarity.
Example: “There’s a faint resemblance between their musical styles, but it’s not obvious.”
- superficial resemblance: A resemblance that is only on the surface, not deep or fundamental.
Example: “Despite a superficial resemblance, the two theories are fundamentally different.”
Prepositions with Resemblance
Prepositions are small but mighty words that clarify the relationship between “resemblance” and other elements in the sentence.
- resemblance to: Indicates what something or someone is similar to. This is the most common preposition.
Example: “Her new haircut has a distinct resemblance to a 1960s style.”
Example: “The creature showed no resemblance to any known animal.”
- resemblance between: Used when comparing two specific entities for similarity.
Example: “The lawyers highlighted the striking resemblance between the two conflicting documents.”
- in resemblance (to): Less common, often used in formal or literary contexts to mean ‘in terms of similarity’. ‘In’ can also refer to the aspect of resemblance.
Example: “The painting’s value lies partly in its resemblance to a classic masterpiece.”
Example: “The children were alike in resemblance and mannerisms.”
- beyond resemblance: Means that something has changed so much that it is no longer recognizable or similar to its former self.
Example: “The old house had been renovated beyond resemblance; I couldn’t recognize it at all.”
| Collocation | Part of Speech | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| bear a resemblance (to) | Verb + Noun | To be similar to someone/something |
| share a resemblance (with) | Verb + Noun | To have similarities in common |
| have a resemblance (to) | Verb + Noun | To possess similarity |
| striking resemblance | Adjective + Noun | A very noticeable similarity |
| close/strong resemblance | Adjective + Noun | A high degree of similarity |
| family resemblance | Adjective + Noun | Similarities among family members |
| passing resemblance | Adjective + Noun | A slight or superficial similarity |
| faint/slight resemblance | Adjective + Noun | A very small, barely noticeable similarity |
| resemblance to | Noun + Preposition | Similarity to something/someone |
| resemblance between | Noun + Preposition | Similarity linking two things/people |
Common Mistakes: Natural vs Unnatural
English learners often make mistakes with “resemblance” by directly translating from their native language. Here’s how to avoid sounding unnatural and adopt native-like phrasing:
| Do Not Say | Say This |
|---|---|
| He makes a strong resemblance to his father. | He bears a strong resemblance to his father. |
| The picture has resemblance with reality. | The picture bears a resemblance to reality. / The picture has a resemblance to reality. |
| I found a deep resemblance between them. | I found a close/strong resemblance between them. |
| They show a high resemblance. | They share a strong resemblance. / They have a striking resemblance. |
| The resemblance is very big. | The resemblance is very strong/close/striking. |
“During our team meeting, Sarah pointed out that the new marketing campaign strategy bears a striking resemblance to one we implemented last year. While it’s great that we share a general resemblance with past successes, we need to ensure this year’s approach has its unique elements. We don’t want to create something that only has a passing resemblance to innovation; we aim for true originality. After careful review, we could only detect a faint resemblance in some of the initial design concepts, which is good. The team wants to avoid any confusion, ensuring our current work stands out and doesn’t just have a superficial resemblance to previous efforts.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Resemblance Collocations
What is the most common verb to use with “resemblance”?
The verb bear
is by far the most common and idiomatic choice to use with “resemblance,” forming the collocation bear a resemblance to
. It signifies that someone or something shows or possesses a similarity to another. For example: “The painting bears a striking resemblance to a Picasso.”
Can I use “resemblance” in the plural form?
Generally, “resemblance” is treated as an uncountable noun when referring to the quality of being similar. However, it can occasionally be used in the plural, “resemblances,” to refer to specific instances or points of similarity, though this is less common. For instance: “The artist found several resemblances between human and animal forms.” In most everyday contexts, the singular is preferred even when discussing multiple similarities.
What prepositions typically follow “resemblance”?
The most common preposition to use after “resemblance” is to
, as in “resemblance to someone/something.” For example: “She has a strong resemblance to her mother.” When comparing two distinct entities, you can also use between
: “The resemblance between the two siblings is undeniable.” Less frequently, you might see in
to specify the aspect of similarity: “They are alike in resemblance and character.”
Is “resemblance” a formal or informal word?
“Resemblance” is generally considered a more formal word compared to simpler alternatives like “similarity” or “likeness.” While it’s perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, it adds a touch of formality and precision, making it very suitable for academic writing, professional communication, and more descriptive contexts.
What’s the difference between “resemblance” and “similarity”?
Both words refer to being alike, but they often carry slightly different nuances. “Similarity” is broader and can refer to any point of likeness (e.g., “The similarity in their opinions”). “Resemblance,” while also indicating likeness, often implies a visual or external likeness, especially with people (e.g., “He bears a striking resemblance to his uncle”). While you can use them interchangeably in some contexts, “resemblance” often emphasizes a more observable, sometimes superficial, likeness.
Thank you for this! I've been studying English for years, but collocations like these are still a challenge. This explanation makes it much clearer.
You're very welcome, Hiroshi! Collocations are often one of the last hurdles for advanced learners, precisely because they're not always intuitive. Breaking them down with their natural partners is key. We're delighted we could make this concept clearer for you!
I always default to 'similar to.' How does 'resemblance' differ from 'similarity' in typical use? Can they be interchanged with these collocations?
Great question, Maria! While 'similarity' (a noun) and 'resemblance' are close in meaning, 'resemblance' often implies a visible or observable likeness, especially in appearance. 'Similarity' is broader and can apply to characteristics, ideas, or qualities that aren't necessarily visual. While you can often swap them in general sentences (e.g., 'There's a similarity/resemblance between them'), the collocations don't always interchange directly. You wouldn't say 'bear a similarity,' for instance. It's a case where the specific word partners matter!
The article's emphasis on 'precision, clarity, and the natural rhythm of English' really hit home. This is exactly what I'm aiming for in my language learning.
That's a fantastic goal, Oliver, and one that learning collocations directly supports! Achieving precision and natural rhythm is what separates good English from great English. We're thrilled this resonated with you, and we're here to help you every step of the way!
I wonder, is there any difference in usage between US English and UK English for 'resemblance' collocations, or are they pretty much universal?
That's a very perceptive question, Anjali! For 'resemblance' and its core collocations like 'bear a resemblance to,' the usage is remarkably consistent across both US and UK English. It's one of those phrases that transcends regional variations fairly well. So you can use it with confidence globally!
This is much better than trying to say 'their faces are alike.' It feels more formal and polite. Thank you!
You've got it, Diego! 'Bear a resemblance' definitely offers a more sophisticated and often more appropriate way to express similarity, especially in formal contexts, compared to more direct or simple phrases. It adds a lovely touch of nuance to your descriptions. Keep up the great work on your fluency journey!
I'm a native English speaker, but I learned a lot about the 'why' behind these collocations today. Super insightful!
That's wonderful to hear, Chloe! Even native speakers can deepen their understanding of the underlying logic and common patterns in their language. It truly helps in articulating ideas more precisely and appreciating the language's richness. Thanks for stopping by!
Could you provide an example where 'resemblance' is used for abstract concepts, not just people? Like, a philosophical idea or a piece of music?
Absolutely, Patrice! 'Resemblance' can certainly be used for abstract concepts. For instance: 'There's a striking resemblance between the new economic policy and the one from a decade ago.' Or, 'Many critics found a subtle resemblance between the young artist's style and that of Picasso.' It's all about shared qualities or characteristics. Excellent question!
This article really helped clarify the usage of 'resemblance to.' I always wondered if it should be 'resemblance with' sometimes. Thank you!
You're very welcome, Sofia! It's a common point of confusion, but 'resemblance to' is indeed the correct and most natural preposition. We're glad we could clear that up for you! Keep an eye out for more articles on tricky prepositions.
What about using 'find a resemblance' or 'see a resemblance'? Are these also common, or do they carry a different meaning?
Great query, Kenji! 'Find a resemblance' and 'see a resemblance' are both common and perfectly correct, but they have a slightly different emphasis. While 'bear a resemblance' describes an inherent similarity, 'find/see a resemblance' implies the act of noticing or detecting that similarity. For example: 'He bears a strong resemblance to his father,' but 'I can see a resemblance between the two paintings.' So, yes, they are common, but highlight the observer's action.
I appreciate the focus on reducing awkward phrasing. I often feel my descriptions are too direct, and this really helps.
You've hit on a key benefit of learning collocations, Elena! They smooth out your language, making your expressions feel more natural and less clunky. Embracing these partnerships helps you convey subtle meanings with greater ease and confidence. Keep up the excellent work!