a striking similarity — notable resemblance
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
a very noticeable or surprising similarity between people, things, or situations, often used to emphasize how strong or unexpected the resemblance is.
Say it like a native
Textbook There is a very noticeable and surprising likeness between the two cases.
Native There's a striking similarity between the two cases.
'A striking similarity between' is the natural phrase.
Pattern: a striking similarity (between A and B) / (to/with something)
In use
- There’s a striking similarity between the two paintings, even though they were created decades apart.daily life
- When comparing city life in Tokyo and London, I noticed a striking similarity in the way people commute and the fast-paced lifestyle.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There's a striking similarity of the two stories.
✓ There's a striking similarity between the two stories.
'A similarity BETWEEN' two things, not 'of'.
Common collocations
a striking similarity between— between, bears, to, noticeable
Don't confuse it
Unlike the basic phrase 'a similarity', 'a striking similarity' adds emphasis and suggests the resemblance is unusually strong or surprising.