was very unlike you vs was not like you

Both phrases are correct and can be used interchangeably to express that someone's behavior or action was unexpected or different from what they typically do. The phrases convey a similar meaning and can be used in various contexts.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: February 25, 2025 • 6492 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that someone's behavior or action was unexpected or different from what is typical for them.

"was very unlike you"

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone's behavior or action is not characteristic of them. It implies a sense of surprise or deviation from the norm.

Examples:

His outburst was very unlike you.
Her decision to quit was very unlike you.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was very unlike me, Marv.
So very unlike you, Mr Poe.
It's very unlike you, Mr. Stiles.
How very unlike you, Leon.
A picture of you looking very unlike you.
That's very unlike you, Axl.
How very unlike you, Richard.
It's very unlike you, Mr. Stiles.
Unlike you, I never remembered their names...
But unlike you, I have other places to be today.
Unlike you, I have earned my success...
I'm straight, unlike you.
Unlike you, I have responsibilities.
Unlike you, l have responsibilities.
Because unlike you my workday starts before reading Page Six.
A fairy tale that seems very unlike Bebop.
Tony's ignoring my calls, and it is very unlike Gibbs to just disappear like this.
What you're describing is very unlike my memory of him.
They're just very unlike any consonants that I'm used to pronouncing. So I'm struggling With it.
Unlike you... I'm out of practice.

Alternatives:

was not typical of you
was out of character for you
was unexpected from you
was unusual for you
was not in line with your usual behavior

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to convey that someone's behavior or action was unexpected or different from what is typical for them.

"was not like you"

This phrase is used to indicate a departure from someone's usual behavior or characteristics. It implies a sense of surprise or contrast.

Examples:

His reaction was not like you at all.
That behavior was not like you.

Show examples from the web [+]

Yes, was not like you.
Yes, was not like you.
But afterwards, Nisse... That was not like you.
It was not like you and I got together afterwards.
She was not like you, not born on the ice.
And the guy was not born like that, you know.
Se was beautiful... but not like you.
And the guy was not born like that, you know.
You know, I was not expecting to like you as much as I do.
I TOLD YOU, BOARDING SCHOOL WAS NOT LIKE THAT.THEN YOU KNOW WHAT?
This may sound funny, but... waiting for you all those years and staying by myself, it was like... not that you were locked in, but I was locked out.

Alternatives:

was out of character for you
was unusual for you
was not typical of you
was unexpected from you
was not in line with your usual behavior

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was very unlike you vs was not like you

"was very unlike you"

"was not like you"

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