alike
alike — adjective
1. if two or more people or things are alike, they look like each other or share ma
if two or more people or things are alike, they look like each other or share many of the same qualities, though they are not exactly the same.
The twin sisters look so alike that even their teacher cannot tell them apart.
predicative use after 'look': subject (plural) + look + alike
Theo's new puppy and her old dog are alike in colour but very different in size.
be + alike + in + [aspect] for naming the shared quality
No two snowflakes are exactly alike, even when they fall in the same storm.
Greta and her father sound very alike on the phone, so callers often confuse them.
The two paintings seemed alike at first, but the colours told a different story up close.
- similar
more flexible — can sit before a noun, while 'alike' cannot
- comparable
more formal; suggests fit for comparison rather than visual likeness
- identical
stronger — means exactly the same, while 'alike' allows small differences
文法句型
look/be/seem alike
subject (plural) + linking verb + alike
用法筆記
Predicative only: appears after a linking verb (be, look, seem, sound, feel, taste). Never used before a noun, so 'an alike pair' is wrong; say 'a pair that looks alike' or use 'similar' for attributive position.
常見錯誤
alike — adverb
1. in a way that is closely similar; doing something so the actions, choices, or ap
in a way that is closely similar; doing something so the actions, choices, or appearances of two or more people or things resemble each other.
The Watanabe twins always dress alike, right down to their matching red shoes.
verb + alike: dress alike
Tomás and her best friend think alike about almost every film they see.
verb + alike: think alike
After ten years on the same team, the four players move alike on the court.
My grandmother says my brother and I behave alike whenever a stranger comes to visit.
- differently
everyday opposite, also post-verbal
文法句型
verb + alike
dress/think/behave/act + alike
用法筆記
Comes after the verb it modifies, never before. Subject must be plural or include two named referents — you cannot say 'she dresses alike' on its own.
常見錯誤
2. placed right after two named sets — usually two kinds of person or two categorie
placed right after two named sets — usually two kinds of person or two categories joined by 'and' — to stress that what was said is true for both equally.
The new park welcomes children and adults alike, with paths suited to every age.
X and Y alike: post-modifier on a paired noun phrase
The earthquake shook rich and poor alike across the small mountain town.
X and Y alike emphasising shared impact
Coach Farouk pushes boys and girls alike to run an extra lap before practice ends.
The little bakery on the corner draws students and office workers alike at lunchtime.
文法句型
X and Y alike
young and old alike
boys and girls alike
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense always sits AFTER a paired noun phrase joined by 'and'. The meaning is 'both groups equally', not 'in a similar way'. Replacing 'alike' with 'both' should keep the sentence sensible.