Much like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Much like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw a comparison between two things or ideas that share similarities. Example: "Much like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, we too can undergo significant changes in our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Much like Murrow had.

The New Yorker

Much like the won.

The Economist

Much like life, really.

The New York Times

Much like childbirth.

The New York Times

Much like Niseko itself.

The New York Times - Travel

Much like Northwestern's season.

The New York Times - Sports

Much like your favourite movies.

Independent

Much like the artists themselves.

The New York Times

Much like the Sox themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

Much like this book.

The Guardian - Books

Much like herself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "similarly to" or "in a similar fashion to" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "much like" repeatedly in a short span of text. Vary your comparative language with alternatives like "similarly to", "in the same way as", or "just as" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Much like" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by drawing a comparison or analogy. It sets the stage for illustrating similarities between two distinct subjects or situations, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Much like" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to draw comparisons and analogies across various contexts. It is grammatically sound and widely accepted, as validated by Ludwig AI. While its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. The frequency of "Much like" in news and media underscores its prevalence in contemporary communication. Remember to avoid overuse and consider related phrases to diversify your writing. Ludwig provides numerous examples highlighting the phrase's utility in conveying similarity and enhancing reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Like

A simpler and more direct way to express similarity.

Similarly to

Replaces "much like" with a slightly more formal tone.

Comparable to

Highlights the similarity between two things, suitable for formal contexts.

Just as

Offers a direct comparison, similar in meaning but shorter.

In the same way as

A slightly more formal alternative emphasizing the similarity in method or manner.

In a similar fashion to

A more elaborate and formal substitute for "much like".

Mirroring

Suggests a close resemblance or parallel, often used in a metaphorical sense.

Analogous to

Suggests a parallel or comparable relationship, often in a more technical context.

Resembling

Emphasizes the visual or superficial similarity between two things.

Equivalent to

Indicates that two things are essentially the same in function or value.

FAQs

How can I use "Much like" in a sentence?

"Much like" is used to draw a comparison between two things. For example, "Much like a bird needs wings to fly, a writer needs words to express ideas."

What are some alternatives to using "Much like"?

You can use alternatives such as "similarly to", "in a similar fashion to", or simply "like" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Much like"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "Much like", especially when introducing a comparison or analogy.

What is the difference between "Much like" and "Very like"?

"Much like" is used to draw a comparison, while "very like" implies a strong resemblance. "Much like" emphasizes the similarities in attributes or behavior, while "very like" focuses on the degree of resemblance.