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B2 noun #2,500 le plus courant 17 min de lecture

alike

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand how to describe the world around them. The word 'alike' is introduced as a simple way to say that two things or two people look the same or act the same. At this beginner stage, the focus is entirely on the physical appearance or very obvious similarities. For example, a teacher might show a picture of two identical red apples and say, 'These apples are alike.' Students learn that 'alike' is used after the verb 'to be' (is, are). They practice simple sentences like 'The cats are alike' or 'My brother and I are alike.' It is crucial at this level to emphasize that 'alike' comes at the end of the sentence or after the verb, and never before the noun. We do not teach the complex adverbial uses or the nuanced differences between 'alike' and 'similar' at this stage, as it would be too confusing. The primary goal is basic recognition and the ability to form simple, correct sentences describing visual similarity. Students might also learn the negative form, 'not alike', to describe things that are different, such as a dog and a cat. By mastering these foundational concepts, A1 learners build the necessary groundwork for more complex comparisons in the future. The word is treated almost exclusively as a simple adjective of visual comparison, helping students to categorize and describe their immediate environment with basic English vocabulary.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their understanding of 'alike' expands beyond simple visual comparisons to include similarities in behavior, sound, and general characteristics. They begin to use 'alike' with a wider variety of linking verbs, not just the verb 'to be'. They learn to say 'They look alike', 'They sound alike', and 'They act alike'. This broadens their descriptive capabilities significantly. At this stage, teachers also explicitly address the common mistake of using 'alike' before a noun. Students are taught the rule: 'We say the cars are alike, but we do not say they are alike cars.' This syntactic rule is practiced through various exercises to ensure it becomes a natural part of their grammar. Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to basic modifiers to express the degree of similarity. They learn phrases like 'very much alike' or 'exactly alike' to emphasize strong similarities. They also practice using 'alike' in questions, such as 'Do they look alike?' This level focuses on building confidence in using the word in everyday conversational contexts, such as discussing family resemblances or comparing simple objects. The concept remains relatively concrete, but the grammatical structures surrounding the word become slightly more sophisticated, preparing the student for the more abstract uses of 'alike' that they will encounter at the intermediate levels.
At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'alike' becomes significantly more nuanced and abstract. Learners are expected to use 'alike' to compare not just physical objects or people, but also ideas, situations, and abstract concepts. For example, they might say, 'Our opinions on this topic are very much alike.' It is at this level that the adverbial use of 'alike' is formally introduced. Students learn that 'alike' can mean 'equally' or 'in the same way' when placed at the end of a phrase mentioning two groups. They practice common idiomatic structures such as 'This movie is loved by children and adults alike.' This is a major step forward in their syntactic development, as it introduces a more formal and rhetorical use of the word. B1 learners also delve deeper into the distinction between 'like' and 'alike', practicing exercises that require them to choose the correct word based on the sentence structure (e.g., 'He looks like his father' vs. 'He and his father look alike'). The focus shifts towards accuracy and avoiding common pitfalls. They also learn to use 'alike' in more complex negative structures, such as 'They are nothing alike' to emphasize complete contrast. By the end of the B1 level, students should feel comfortable using 'alike' in both its adjectival and adverbial forms across a variety of everyday and moderately complex contexts.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, learners are expected to have a solid, almost intuitive grasp of the grammatical rules governing 'alike'. The focus shifts from basic mechanics to stylistic choice and precise expression. B2 students use 'alike' confidently in both written and spoken English, employing it to create balanced, elegant sentences. They are fully comfortable with the adverbial usage ('friends and foes alike') and use it to enhance the rhetorical impact of their arguments or descriptions. At this level, learners explore the subtle differences in meaning and register between 'alike', 'similar', 'identical', and 'comparable'. They learn when it is more appropriate to use 'alike' for stylistic reasons, even when 'similar' would be grammatically acceptable. They also encounter 'alike' in more formal texts, such as news articles or essays, and are expected to understand its function in these contexts. B2 learners practice using 'alike' with a wider range of modifiers, such as 'strikingly alike' or 'remarkably alike', to add descriptive flair to their language. They are also aware of the traditional grammatical debate regarding 'very alike' versus 'much alike' and generally opt for the more formal 'much alike' in written contexts. The goal at this level is fluency, accuracy, and the ability to use 'alike' as a tool for sophisticated comparison and emphasis.
At the C1 advanced level, the use of 'alike' is expected to be seamless and highly sophisticated. Learners at this stage encounter and produce 'alike' in complex academic, professional, and literary contexts. They understand how 'alike' functions within intricate sentence structures and use it to convey subtle nuances of equality and resemblance. C1 students are completely comfortable with idiomatic expressions involving 'alike', such as 'share and share alike', and can use them naturally in conversation. They use the adverbial form ('A and B alike') effortlessly to create inclusive or universally applicable statements in formal writing or debate. At this level, the focus is on the stylistic elegance that 'alike' can bring to a text. Learners might analyze how authors use 'alike' to draw thematic parallels in literature or how politicians use it to appeal to broad demographics. They are also highly adept at avoiding the common errors associated with the word, having fully internalized its syntactic restrictions. C1 learners can effortlessly switch between 'alike', 'akin', 'analogous', and other advanced synonyms depending on the exact shade of meaning and the formal register required by the context. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.
At the C2 mastery level, the understanding and application of 'alike' are absolute. Learners possess a native-like intuition for the word's grammatical constraints, semantic boundaries, and stylistic potential. They can manipulate the word to achieve specific rhetorical effects in highly complex, abstract discourse. C2 users employ 'alike' in sophisticated legal, philosophical, or scientific discussions to establish precise equivalencies or to emphasize universal application across disparate variables. They are acutely aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which informs their deep understanding of its usage. At this level, learners can play with the word, perhaps using it in slightly unconventional but grammatically justifiable ways for poetic or rhetorical emphasis. They understand the subtle rhythmic and phonetic reasons why a writer might choose 'alike' over 'equally' at the end of a sentence. C2 mastery means that 'alike' is not just a vocabulary word to be translated, but a fundamental structural element of English syntax that the learner commands with absolute authority. They can effortlessly identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in the speech or writing of others, demonstrating a profound, metalinguistic awareness of English grammar and style.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

alike en 30 secondes

  • The word alike is used to describe two or more things that share a significant amount of similarities in their physical appearance or overall characteristics.
  • You will often find alike used after linking verbs such as look, seem, or appear to emphasize how closely two subjects resemble one another.
  • As an adverb, alike demonstrates that an action or situation applies equally to different groups, often used in phrases like 'friends and family alike'.
  • Remember that alike cannot be used directly before a noun; you must say 'the cars are alike' rather than 'they are alike cars' in English.
The English language is filled with fascinating and versatile words, and the term 'alike' is certainly one of the most prominent examples of this linguistic richness. When we explore what it means in a comprehensive manner, we must first consider its primary role in sentences, which is to demonstrate a profound sense of similarity or equivalence between two or more entities. If two things are described as being alike, they share a significant number of characteristics, traits, or features, making them nearly indistinguishable in a specific context.

The two sisters look so much alike that even their parents confuse them.

This similarity can refer to physical appearance, such as two siblings who share the same facial structure, hair color, and mannerisms. It can also refer to abstract concepts, such as two philosophical ideas that are alike in their fundamental principles and logical conclusions. Understanding this word requires a deep dive into its grammatical constraints and semantic nuances, which differentiate it from similar vocabulary words.
Physical Similarity
When two objects or people share visual characteristics that make them resemble one another closely.
Unlike the word 'similar', which can be placed directly before a noun as an attributive adjective, 'alike' is almost exclusively used as a predicative adjective. This means it must follow a linking verb, such as 'be', 'seem', 'look', or 'appear'. For example, you can correctly say 'The two houses are alike', but you cannot grammatically say 'They are alike houses'. This distinction is absolutely crucial for learners of English who wish to achieve fluency and accuracy. Furthermore, 'alike' can function effectively as an adverb. In this adverbial capacity, it means 'in the exact same way' or 'equally'. A common phrase demonstrating this is 'friends and family alike', which means that a particular situation, rule, or emotion applies equally to both the friends and the family members without any discrimination or difference in degree.

The new tax laws will affect rich and poor alike.

This dual functionality makes 'alike' an incredibly versatile tool in both spoken and written English, allowing speakers to convey complex ideas of equality and resemblance with a single, elegant word. Let us examine some specific examples to clarify these grammatical points further. When observing identical twins, one might remark on how alike they are, referring to their absolute visual identicality.
Adverbial Equality
Used to show that a condition or action applies to two different groups in the exact same manner.
In a legal or professional context, a judge might promise to treat two different cases alike, meaning they will be handled with the exact same legal standards and rigorous scrutiny. The historical evolution of the word traces back to Old English, where it carried a very similar meaning of likeness, equality, or identical nature. Over centuries of linguistic development, its usage has been refined, but its core semantic meaning remains completely intact.

They tried to treat all their children alike, giving them equal opportunities.

In modern English, it is a staple of both casual, everyday conversation and highly formal, academic writing. To truly master the word 'alike', one must practice identifying its specific role in various contexts and sentences. Is it describing a noun phrase after a linking verb, or is it modifying a verb to show equal application across multiple subjects? This analytical approach to vocabulary acquisition will greatly enhance your overall comprehension and usage of the English language. Let's look at even more nuances associated with this fascinating word. Sometimes, 'alike' is used in negative constructions, such as 'They are not alike at all', which serves to emphasize the complete and total lack of similarity between the subjects being compared.

Despite being twins, their personalities are not alike in the slightest.

It can also be modified by specific adverbs of degree, such as 'very alike' or 'much alike', although the phrase 'very alike' is sometimes debated by strict grammarians who strongly prefer 'much alike' or 'very much alike'.
Degree Modification
Using words like 'much' or 'exactly' before 'alike' to specify the intensity of the similarity.
Regardless of these minor academic debates, the general consensus among linguists and native speakers is that 'alike' is a powerful, indispensable word for drawing comparisons and highlighting equivalencies.

The two proposals are so alike that it is difficult to choose between them.

By consistently observing how native speakers utilize this term in various media, learners can naturally and confidently incorporate 'alike' into their active vocabulary repertoire, ensuring precise and articulate communication.
Mastering how to use the word 'alike' correctly requires a thorough understanding of English syntax, specifically the distinction between attributive and predicative adjectives, as well as the rules governing adverbial placement. When used as an adjective, 'alike' is strictly predicative. This means it must be positioned after a linking verb to describe the subject of the sentence, rather than being placed immediately before a noun to modify it directly.

The two cars are exactly alike in every single detail.

Linking verbs that frequently precede 'alike' include 'be' (is, are, was, were), 'look', 'seem', 'appear', 'sound', and 'feel'. For instance, you might say 'The brothers look alike' or 'Their opinions sound alike'. Attempting to use 'alike' attributively, such as saying 'They are alike brothers', is grammatically incorrect and will immediately mark the speaker as a non-native or inexperienced user of English.
Predicative Adjective
An adjective that follows a linking verb and describes the subject, rather than preceding a noun.
Instead, one must use the word 'similar' for attributive purposes, as in 'They are similar brothers'. This syntactic limitation is one of the most common stumbling blocks for English learners, making it a critical area of focus for vocabulary enrichment. Beyond its adjectival use, 'alike' serves a vital function as an adverb, where it means 'in the same way', 'similarly', or 'equally'. In this role, it is typically placed at the end of a phrase or sentence to indicate that an action, condition, or rule applies to two or more distinct groups or individuals without any variation or bias.

The harsh winter weather affected humans and animals alike.

This adverbial usage is particularly common in formal writing, journalism, and public speaking, where it adds a sense of balance, inclusivity, and rhetorical elegance to the sentence structure. Phrases such as 'young and old alike', 'rich and poor alike', or 'amateurs and professionals alike' are idiomatic staples of the English language.
Adverb of Manner
Describes how an action is performed, in this case, indicating that it is performed equally across subjects.
When constructing sentences with adverbial 'alike', it is essential to ensure that the groups being compared are clearly defined and typically joined by the conjunction 'and'.

The spectacular performance was praised by critics and audiences alike.

Another important consideration when using 'alike' is how to modify it to express different degrees of similarity. While you cannot say 'very alike' according to traditional prescriptive grammar (though it is sometimes heard in informal speech), you can absolutely say 'much alike', 'very much alike', 'exactly alike', or 'somewhat alike'. These modifiers help to provide precise nuance, allowing the speaker to indicate whether the resemblance is absolute, significant, or merely partial. For example, 'The two paintings are very much alike, but one has a slightly darker background' provides a clear, nuanced description.

My current job and my previous job are very much alike in terms of daily responsibilities.

Furthermore, 'alike' is frequently used in negative constructions to emphasize difference. Phrases like 'not alike at all' or 'nothing alike' are highly effective ways to contrast two subjects.
Negative Constructions
Using 'alike' with negative words to strongly emphasize the differences between two things.
For instance, 'Despite growing up in the same household, the two siblings are nothing alike' strongly conveys their divergent personalities or appearances.

The movie adaptation and the original book are nothing alike.

By carefully studying these various syntactic patterns—predicative adjectives, adverbial equality, degree modification, and negative contrast—learners can develop a sophisticated and accurate command of the word 'alike', elevating their English proficiency to a significantly higher level of fluency and expressive capability.
The word 'alike' is ubiquitous in the English language, appearing across a vast spectrum of contexts ranging from the most casual daily conversations to highly formal academic, legal, and literary texts. Understanding where and how you are most likely to encounter this word can significantly aid in grasping its varied nuances and appropriate applications. In everyday spoken English, 'alike' is most frequently heard when people are making comparisons between individuals, particularly concerning physical appearance or personality traits.

Everyone says that my mother and I look exactly alike.

You will often hear friends discussing how much two siblings resemble each other, or colleagues noting how two different software programs function in a similar manner. In these informal settings, the predicative adjective form is dominant, usually following verbs like 'look', 'sound', or 'act'.
Casual Conversation
Used frequently to compare physical traits, behaviors, or everyday objects in informal settings.
However, as we move into more formal registers, the usage of 'alike' expands significantly, particularly in its adverbial form. In journalism and news reporting, 'alike' is frequently employed to emphasize the widespread impact of an event, policy, or phenomenon across different demographic groups. A news anchor might report that a sudden economic downturn is causing hardship for 'businesses and consumers alike', highlighting the universal nature of the struggle.

The devastating hurricane destroyed the homes of the wealthy and the poor alike.

This rhetorical device of pairing two contrasting groups with 'alike' is a hallmark of journalistic and political speechwriting, designed to foster a sense of shared experience or collective consequence. In the realm of literature and creative writing, authors utilize 'alike' to draw poetic parallels or to establish thematic connections between characters, settings, or abstract concepts.
Literary Contexts
Used by authors to draw thematic parallels or create poetic rhythm in their prose and poetry.
A novelist might describe two sprawling cities as being alike in their chaotic energy and towering architecture, using the word to paint a vivid comparative picture in the reader's mind.

In the dark of the night, the towering trees and the looming mountains seemed alike in their silent menace.

Furthermore, in academic and scientific discourse, 'alike' is used to denote equivalence or shared characteristics in a more precise, analytical manner. Researchers might state that two distinct chemical compounds behave alike under specific thermal conditions, or sociologists might observe that two different cultural groups respond alike to specific social stimuli. Legal language also frequently employs 'alike', particularly in the context of equality before the law. The fundamental principle that 'all citizens must be treated alike' is a cornerstone of democratic legal systems, and the word is often found in judicial rulings and constitutional interpretations to mandate equal protection and prohibit discrimination.

The constitution guarantees that all individuals, regardless of background, shall be treated alike by the justice system.

Finally, 'alike' is a common component of various idioms and set phrases that permeate the language. Phrases such as 'share and share alike', which advocates for equal distribution of resources or burdens, demonstrate how deeply embedded the concept of equality-through-similarity is in English cultural expressions.
Idiomatic Expressions
Fixed phrases like 'share and share alike' that carry specific cultural meanings regarding equality.
By exposing oneself to these diverse contexts—from the casual chatter of a coffee shop to the rigorous prose of an academic journal—a learner can develop a holistic and highly nuanced appreciation for the multifaceted utility of the word 'alike'.

The inheritance was divided among the three siblings, share and share alike.

This broad exposure is essential for transitioning from mere vocabulary recognition to active, confident, and contextually appropriate usage.
When learning to use the word 'alike', students of the English language frequently encounter several specific grammatical and syntactic pitfalls that can lead to awkward or incorrect phrasing. By far the most prevalent and significant mistake is attempting to use 'alike' as an attributive adjective. As previously established, 'alike' is strictly a predicative adjective, meaning it must follow a linking verb and cannot be placed directly in front of a noun to modify it.

INCORRECT: They are wearing alike dresses. CORRECT: The dresses they are wearing are alike.

This error often stems from a direct translation from a learner's native language, where the equivalent word for 'similar' or 'identical' can be used freely in any adjectival position. To correct this, learners must train themselves to use 'similar', 'identical', or 'matching' when an adjective is required before a noun.
The Attributive Error
Placing 'alike' directly before a noun, which violates English syntactic rules for this specific word.
Another highly common mistake involves the confusion between 'alike' and the preposition 'like'. While they share a morphological root and deal with concepts of similarity, their grammatical functions are entirely different. 'Like' is typically used as a preposition followed by an object, whereas 'alike' is an adjective or adverb that stands alone without a following object. For example, a student might incorrectly say, 'He looks alike his father'. The correct phrasing would be either 'He looks like his father' (using the preposition 'like') or 'He and his father look alike' (using the predicative adjective 'alike').

INCORRECT: This car is alike mine. CORRECT: This car is like mine. OR This car and mine are alike.

This structural distinction is vital for producing natural-sounding English sentences. Furthermore, errors frequently occur when learners attempt to modify 'alike' with adverbs of degree. A common, though highly debated, mistake is the use of 'very alike'. While you might occasionally hear native speakers use 'very alike' in rapid, informal speech, traditional prescriptive grammar dictates that 'alike' should be modified by 'much' or 'very much'.
Degree Modification Error
Using 'very' instead of 'much' or 'very much' to modify 'alike', which is considered grammatically awkward by purists.
Therefore, writing 'They are very much alike' is significantly safer and more formally correct than writing 'They are very alike'.

It is better to say the two theories are very much alike rather than saying they are very alike.

Another subtle but important mistake occurs in the adverbial usage of 'alike'. When using 'alike' to mean 'equally' for two groups, learners sometimes forget to clearly define the two groups, leading to ambiguous or nonsensical sentences. The structure almost always requires a conjunction, typically 'and', linking the two distinct entities. For instance, saying 'The law affects the citizens alike' is confusing because it implies a comparison without stating the second group. The correct formulation would be 'The law affects citizens and non-citizens alike'.

INCORRECT: The teacher praised the students alike. CORRECT: The teacher praised the boys and the girls alike.

Finally, learners sometimes misspell the word, confusing it with 'a like', written as two separate words. While 'a like' can exist in specific contexts (e.g., 'I gave the video a like on social media'), it has absolutely nothing to do with the concept of similarity.
Spelling and Spacing
Accidentally inserting a space to create 'a like', which changes the meaning to a noun referring to social media approval.
By consciously avoiding these common errors—the attributive misuse, the confusion with 'like', improper degree modification, incomplete adverbial structures, and spacing errors—learners can ensure their use of 'alike' is both grammatically flawless and stylistically sophisticated.

By studying these rules, native and non-native speakers alike can improve their grammar.

The English vocabulary is exceptionally rich in synonyms and related terms that convey the concept of similarity, but each word carries its own unique grammatical rules, subtle nuances, and specific contextual appropriateness. When exploring words similar to 'alike', the most immediate and common synonym is 'similar'. While 'similar' shares the core meaning of possessing shared characteristics or resembling something else, its grammatical flexibility far exceeds that of 'alike'.

While the two concepts are alike, they are not entirely identical.

Crucially, 'similar' can be used both predicatively (after a linking verb, e.g., 'The cars are similar') and attributively (before a noun, e.g., 'They are similar cars'). This makes 'similar' a safer, more versatile choice for English learners who are unsure about the strict predicative rules governing 'alike'.
Similar
A highly versatile synonym that can be used both before a noun and after a linking verb.
Another closely related word is 'identical'. However, 'identical' represents a much stronger degree of similarity; it implies absolute, 100% sameness, with no discernible differences whatsoever. While two things can be 'very much alike' but still have minor variations, if they are 'identical', they are perfect copies of one another. For example, identical twins are often described as looking alike, but using the word 'identical' emphasizes the biological exactness of their resemblance.

The forged painting and the original masterpiece looked so alike that experts deemed them identical.

Moving towards the adverbial usage of 'alike', synonyms include 'equally', 'similarly', and 'uniformly'. When 'alike' is used to mean that an action applies to two groups in the same way, 'equally' is often a perfect, direct substitute.
Equally
The best synonym for 'alike' when it is used as an adverb at the end of a sentence.
For instance, the phrase 'The rule applies to teachers and students alike' can be seamlessly rewritten as 'The rule applies to teachers and students equally' without any loss or alteration of meaning. 'Similarly' is also related but is more often used as a conjunctive adverb at the beginning of a sentence to connect two related ideas (e.g., 'Similarly, the second group also showed improvement'), rather than at the end of a clause like 'alike'.

The manager treated the veteran employees and the new interns alike.

Other related terms include 'comparable', which suggests that two things are similar enough to be logically compared, and 'indistinguishable', which, like 'identical', implies that it is impossible to tell the difference between two subjects. 'Analogous' is another formal, academic synonym used primarily when comparing complex systems, processes, or structures that function in a similar way, even if they do not look alike physically.

The wings of a bat and the wings of a bird are analogous, though they do not look exactly alike.

Understanding these synonyms and their specific shades of meaning is crucial for developing a precise and sophisticated vocabulary. While 'alike' is a beautiful and useful word, knowing when to substitute it with 'similar' for grammatical reasons, or 'identical' for emphasis, or 'equally' for clarity, demonstrates a true mastery of English semantics.
Comparable
Used when two things share enough traits that comparing them is fair and logical.
By carefully selecting the most appropriate word from this rich family of synonyms, speakers and writers can ensure their intended meaning is conveyed with maximum accuracy and rhetorical impact.

Though they came from different backgrounds, their philosophical views were remarkably alike.

How Formal Is It?

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Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

The two cats are alike.

similar in appearance

Used after the verb 'are'.

2

My car and your car are alike.

the same type

Comparing two subjects joined by 'and'.

3

They look alike.

appear similar

Used after the linking verb 'look'.

4

The two houses are alike.

built the same way

Describes the subject 'houses'.

5

Are they alike?

questioning similarity

Used in a simple yes/no question.

6

These apples are alike.

same fruit

Used with plural demonstrative 'these'.

7

We are not alike.

different

Used with 'not' to show difference.

8

The dogs look alike.

same breed

Used to describe animals.

1

The two brothers look very much alike.

strong resemblance

Modified by 'very much'.

2

Their voices sound alike on the phone.

similar audio

Used after the linking verb 'sound'.

3

My sister and I act alike.

same behavior

Used after the verb 'act'.

4

The dresses are exactly alike.

100% similar

Modified by 'exactly'.

5

They are alike in many ways.

sharing traits

Followed by a prepositional phrase.

6

I cannot tell them apart because they are so alike.

confusingly similar

Modified by 'so'.

7

The two problems are somewhat alike.

partially similar

Modified by 'somewhat'.

8

They do not think alike.

different opinions

Used with the verb 'think'.

1

The new law will affect businesses and consumers alike.

equally

Adverbial use meaning 'equally'.

2

Despite their different backgrounds, their goals are remarkably alike.

surprisingly similar

Modified by 'remarkably'.

3

The twins were dressed alike for the party.

in the same clothes

Used after a passive verb construction.

4

Good teachers treat all their students alike.

with equality

Adverbial use modifying 'treat'.

5

Their management styles are nothing alike.

completely different

Used with 'nothing' for strong contrast.

6

The two situations are alike in that they both require patience.

similar because

Followed by 'in that' to explain the similarity.

7

This book appeals to young and old alike.

both groups equally

Common idiomatic structure 'A and B alike'.

8

We share alike in the profits of the company.

divide equally

Part of the phrase 'share alike'.

1

The festival drew tourists and locals alike to the city center.

both groups equally

Adverbial use emphasizing inclusion of two groups.

2

Structurally, the two poems are very much alike, though their themes differ.

similar in form

Used in a complex sentence with a contrasting clause.

3

The disease affects men and women alike, showing no demographic preference.

without discrimination

Used in a scientific or medical context.

4

They are so alike in temperament that they rarely argue.

similar personality

Followed by 'in [noun]' to specify the area of similarity.

5

The candidate promised to represent the rich and the poor alike.

with equal dedication

Political rhetoric using 'alike' for balance.

6

It is a common misconception that all sharks behave alike.

in the same manner

Modifying the verb 'behave'.

7

The two historical accounts are strikingly alike in their details.

very noticeably similar

Modified by the strong adverb 'strikingly'.

8

Friends and foes alike respected his unwavering honesty.

everyone equally

Classic idiom 'friends and foes alike'.

1

The legislation was condemned by environmentalists and industrialists alike, albeit for entirely different reasons.

equally criticized

Used in a complex sentence with a concessive clause ('albeit').

2

In the dark, the genuine artifact and the meticulous forgery were virtually alike.

almost indistinguishable

Modified by 'virtually' to indicate near-perfect similarity.

3

The philosophy posits that all human souls are fundamentally alike, stripped of societal constructs.

essentially the same

Used in an abstract, philosophical context.

4

The economic downturn ravaged small startups and established conglomerates alike.

destroyed equally

Adverbial use in formal economic discourse.

5

Their methodologies are so alike as to be practically indistinguishable to the layperson.

similar to the point of

Advanced structure 'so alike as to be'.

6

He treated praise and criticism alike, with a stoic indifference.

reacted the same way to both

Used to show equal treatment of abstract concepts.

7

The two dialects, though separated by mountains, evolved remarkably alike.

developed similarly

Modifying the verb 'evolved'.

8

The policy ensures that all applicants, regardless of origin, are judged alike.

evaluated equally

Used in a formal legal or administrative context.

1

The overarching narrative of the two epochs is broadly alike, characterized by rapid technological upheaval.

generally similar

Used in high-level historical analysis.

2

She possessed a rare egalitarianism, viewing paupers and princes alike with the same penetrating gaze.

without hierarchical distinction

Embedded in a highly descriptive, literary sentence.

3

The symptoms of the two distinct pathogens manifest so alike that misdiagnosis is distressingly common.

appear so similarly

Used in specialized medical literature.

4

In the grand calculus of the cosmos, the birth and death of stars are alike mere fleeting moments.

equally

Poetic and philosophical usage.

5

The treaty mandates that signatory and non-signatory nations alike adhere to the maritime boundaries.

both categories equally

Strict legal and diplomatic phrasing.

6

Their prose styles are superficially alike, yet a rigorous syntactic analysis reveals profound divergences.

similar on the surface

Used in literary criticism.

7

He distributed his vast wealth among his heirs, share and share alike, to preclude any familial discord.

in perfectly equal portions

Formal use of the legal idiom.

8

The twin paradoxes of modern physics, quantum mechanics and relativity, remain alike resistant to a unified theory.

equally stubborn

Used as an adverb modifying an adjective ('resistant').

Antonymes

different dissimilar unlike

Collocations courantes

look alike
sound alike
think alike
act alike
very much alike
exactly alike
strikingly alike
somewhat alike
treat alike
share alike

Phrases Courantes

look exactly alike

are very much alike

young and old alike

rich and poor alike

friends and family alike

men and women alike

treat everyone alike

nothing alike

not alike at all

share and share alike

Souvent confondu avec

alike vs like

alike vs similar

alike vs a like (noun phrase)

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

alike vs

alike vs

alike vs

alike vs

alike vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'alike' and 'similar' are synonyms, their grammatical usage is distinct. 'Alike' is never used before a noun.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'alike' directly before a noun (e.g., 'They have alike cars').
  • Confusing 'alike' with the preposition 'like' (e.g., 'He looks alike his dad').
  • Using 'very alike' instead of the more grammatically accepted 'very much alike'.
  • Writing it as two words ('a like') when meaning similarity.
  • Using adverbial 'alike' without clearly defining the two groups being affected.

Astuces

Never Before a Noun

The most important rule for 'alike' is that it can never be placed directly before a noun. You cannot say 'an alike dress'. Always use 'a similar dress' instead. 'Alike' must come after the verb.

Like vs. Alike

Use 'like' when you are comparing subject A to subject B directly (A is like B). Use 'alike' when subjects A and B are grouped together as the subject of the sentence (A and B are alike).

Modifying Alike

To sound more natural and grammatically correct, use 'much' or 'very much' to increase the intensity of 'alike'. Avoid using 'very' by itself. 'They are very much alike' is the standard phrasing.

Adverbial Elegance

Using 'alike' at the end of a sentence to mean 'equally' is a great way to elevate your writing style. Phrases like 'young and old alike' make your sentences sound balanced and professional.

Strong Contrasts

If you want to emphasize that two things are completely different, use the phrase 'nothing alike'. It is much stronger and more native-sounding than just saying 'not similar'.

Common Verbs

Memorize the verbs that most commonly go with 'alike'. These are 'look', 'sound', 'think', 'act', and 'be'. Practicing these combinations will make your speech much more fluent.

Great Minds

Learn the idiom 'Great minds think alike'. It's a fun, friendly phrase to use when you and someone else have the exact same idea at the exact same time.

One Word

Remember that 'alike' is a single word. Do not write it as 'a like' when you mean similar. 'A like' refers to a thumbs-up on social media, which is completely different.

Identical vs Alike

Reserve the word 'identical' for things that have zero differences. If there are small differences but an overall strong resemblance, 'alike' is the more accurate word to use.

Balancing Groups

When using 'alike' as an adverb, make sure the two groups you are comparing are clearly stated and usually joined by 'and', such as 'teachers and students alike'.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Old English

Contexte culturel

'Great minds think alike' is often followed jokingly by 'and fools seldom differ', though the second part is frequently omitted in casual conversation.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Do you think you and your siblings look alike?"

"In what ways are your current job and your previous job alike?"

"Do you believe that great minds truly think alike?"

"Can you name two movies that are very much alike in their plot?"

"Should all students be treated alike, or should teaching be individualized?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe two people you know who are very much alike in personality.

Write about a time when you and a friend had an 'alike' idea simultaneously.

Discuss a rule or law that you believe affects everyone alike.

Compare two cities you have visited. How are they alike?

Reflect on the phrase 'great minds think alike'. Do you agree with it?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, this is grammatically incorrect. The word 'alike' is a predicative adjective, which means it cannot be placed directly before a noun. Instead, you must use the word 'similar' if you want to put the adjective before the noun. The correct phrasing would be 'they are similar cars' or 'the cars are alike'. This is one of the most important rules to remember about this word.

'Like' is usually a preposition that requires an object after it, such as 'He looks like his father'. 'Alike' is an adjective or adverb that stands alone and does not take an object, such as 'He and his father look alike'. You use 'like' when comparing one subject to an object immediately following the word. You use 'alike' when the subjects being compared have already been mentioned together.

In informal, everyday speech, you might hear native speakers say 'very alike'. However, in strict, formal grammar, 'alike' should be modified by 'much' or 'very much'. Therefore, it is safer and more correct to write 'they are very much alike'. If you are taking an English exam or writing an academic paper, avoid 'very alike'.

As an adverb, 'alike' means 'equally' or 'in the same way'. It is typically placed at the very end of a sentence or clause. You usually mention two distinct groups joined by 'and' before using it. For example, 'The rule applies to teachers and students alike' means the rule applies equally to both groups.

Yes, 'alike' is frequently used in negative constructions to emphasize difference. You can say 'They are not alike' to mean they are different. To make the contrast even stronger, you can say 'They are nothing alike' or 'They are not alike at all'. These phrases are very common in natural English conversation.

'Share and share alike' is a traditional English idiom. It means that something, usually money, resources, or responsibilities, should be divided equally among everyone involved. It emphasizes fairness and equal distribution. You might hear it in legal contexts, such as dividing an inheritance, or in casual situations when splitting a pizza.

While they are synonyms, they express different degrees of similarity. 'Identical' means there are absolutely zero differences; they are perfect copies. 'Alike' means they share many characteristics and look very similar, but there might still be minor differences. Identical twins are alike, but two people who just look alike are not necessarily identical.

A predicative adjective is an adjective that follows a linking verb (like is, are, seem, look) and describes the subject of the sentence. It is called this because it forms part of the predicate of the sentence rather than modifying the noun directly within a noun phrase. 'Alike' belongs to a small group of English adjectives starting with 'a-' (like asleep, awake, afraid) that share this strict grammatical rule.

Yes, you can absolutely use 'alike' to compare three or more things. For example, you can say 'All three brothers look alike' or 'The four proposals are very much alike'. The grammatical rules remain exactly the same regardless of the number of subjects being compared. It simply means that all the subjects mentioned share a strong similarity.

The word 'alike' is highly versatile and fits perfectly into both formal and informal registers. Saying 'My dogs look alike' is perfectly natural in casual conversation. Conversely, writing 'The economic policies affected the public and private sectors alike' is entirely appropriate for formal academic or journalistic writing. Its register depends entirely on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

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