Like always

USAGE SUMMARY

"Like always" is commonly used in informal spoken English but is less formal in written contexts. You can use it to indicate that something is consistent with past behavior or situations. Example: "She arrived late, like always." Alternative expressions include "As usual," "As always," and "Like usual."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I will do like always.

The New York Times - Sports

"He said 'What's up?' like always.

The New York Times

"I'm ready to do it," he says simply, "like always".

The Guardian - Sport

Watson started the game on a tear, like always.

TechCrunch

"I like always remaining flexible," Trump added.

Vice

"Feels like always carrying sandbags, feels heavy".

BMJ Open

Like always, this must be repeated and expanded.

The Guardian

Like always, there are some people waiting for him.

The New York Times

Like always.

Vice

Like always," she said.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Here, we showed that IL-8 and basal-like always clustered together (Additional file 3).

BMC Medical Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, substitute "like always" with more conventional alternatives such as "as usual" or "as always" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "like always" in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. It can come across as too casual and undermine the seriousness of your message. Choose a more appropriate phrase such as "consistently" or "typically" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like always" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that an action or situation occurs in a manner consistent with previous occurrences. As Ludwig demonstrates, it is commonly used to describe habitual behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like always" is a frequently used adverbial phrase that communicates predictability or routine. While common in informal speech and some news media, it is generally considered too casual for formal writing. For professional contexts, alternatives such as "as usual", "as always", or "consistently" are more appropriate. Ludwig shows that while grammatically acceptable, context is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As usual

A more formal and widely accepted alternative that directly replaces the entire phrase.

As always

A direct synonym, offering a slightly more emphatic tone.

Typically

Focuses on the habitual nature of the action, but less direct.

Characteristically

Highlights that the action is a distinctive trait or behavior.

In the usual way

Describes the manner in which something is done, emphasizing routine.

Consistently

Focuses on the reliability of the action's occurrence.

Without exception

Emphasizes that the action always happens, leaving no room for alternatives.

Customarily

Highlights that the action is part of an established custom or practice.

On every occasion

Stresses that the action happens without fail each time.

As is the habit

Describes the action as a regular, ingrained behavior.

FAQs

What does "Like always" mean?

"Like always" means in a way that is consistent with past behavior or situations; as is typical. It indicates that something happens regularly or predictably.

Is "Like always" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in spoken English, "like always" is often considered less formal than alternatives like "as usual" or "as always". Its acceptability depends on the context.

Which is more appropriate, "Like always" or "As usual"?

As usual is generally more appropriate in formal writing and speech. "Like always" is considered more casual and is better suited for informal settings.

What can I say instead of "Like always"?

You can use alternatives like "as usual", "as always", "typically", or "consistently" depending on the context.