A regular reader of this blog recently wrote with the following quandary:
Q: It drives me crazy when I hear someone say “It’s not dissimilar to…” or “It’s not unlike…” THEN IT’S SIMILAR OR IT’S LIKE, YOU IDIOT! Please explain this language phenomenon to me.
A: What we’re dealing with here is a matter of degree. To say one thing is “like” another is like saying the two things have a lot in common. To say one thing is “not unlike” something else is not unlike saying that while the two things may be largely different, they still have a couple of common traits.
Q: Sounds to me like a mechanism for avoiding a commitment.
A: It’s not unlike that at all.
Q: I think I’ll go pull out my fingernails with pliers. The pain is not unlike what I feel when I hear someone say these things.
A: Now you’re catching on!
If you have a question for “Ask an English Teacher” feel free to drop me a line. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
Abominations 