a car like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a car like this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing a specific car to others or when expressing a preference for a certain type of car. Example: "I have always wanted a car like this because of its sleek design and advanced features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

7. Don't... drive a car like this.

Independent

"Nobody else will ever make a car like this again.

The New York Times

"Ferrari would never build a car like this," he said.

The New York Times

You sit quite high, of course; that's a key point of a car like this.

Independent

"You won't get noticed in a car like this," he promised.

The New Yorker

You could only get a car like this in '50 or '51".

The New York Times

"The reason you buy a car like this is to get out of trouble.

The New York Times

"If they can build a car like this, then they can engineer great fuel savings as well," he said.

The New York Times

I have avoided this question for 10 paragraphs, because with a car like this it's sort of beside the point.

The New York Times

"I was slightly fatalistic about it — somebody who's got a car like this has got to take care of it".

The New York Times

But the Pontiac at least looks good, and for some people that's all that matters for a car like this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing different car models or types, use "a car like this" to refer back to a specific example already mentioned to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a car like this" without providing specific context or examples, as it can lead to confusion about what qualities or features are being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a car like this" is as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular car based on its resemblance to another, often in the context of comparison or desire. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a car like this" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a vehicle that shares characteristics with a specific example. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's suitable for expressing preferences, drawing comparisons, or highlighting desirable features. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources and carries a neutral tone, making it appropriate for various contexts. While the phrase is versatile, ensuring context and clear references prevents ambiguity. Overall, it's a reliable and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a similar car

Focuses on the resemblance between cars, omitting the demonstrative pronoun.

a car of this type

Emphasizes the classification or category of the vehicle.

a vehicle like this one

Replaces "car" with the broader term "vehicle" and adds specificity with "one".

a model similar to this

Highlights a specific model with comparable features.

a car with these features

Shifts focus to the attributes and functionalities of the car.

this kind of car

Uses "kind" instead of "like", indicating a type or category.

a comparable vehicle

Highlights the similarity in performance or features.

a car in this style

Focuses on the aesthetic or design aspects of the car.

a car such as this

Replaces "like" with "such as", providing a more formal alternative.

a car equivalent to this

Stresses the equality or equivalence in terms of value or features.

FAQs

How can I use "a car like this" in a sentence?

You can use "a car like this" to refer to a specific type of car you've already mentioned, or to express a preference. For instance, "I've always wanted a sports car, and "a car like this" would be perfect for weekend drives."

What's a more formal way to say "a car like this"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "a vehicle of this type" or "a comparable vehicle". These alternatives provide a similar meaning with a slightly elevated level of formality.

Which is correct, "a car like this" or "a car like these"?

The correct phrase is "a car like this", which is used to refer to a singular instance or example. If you are referring to multiple cars with similar characteristics, you would say "cars like these".

What's the difference between "a car like this" and "a similar car"?

While both phrases suggest comparability, "a car like this" often implies a direct reference to a specific model or example, whereas "a similar car" is a more general comparison, suggesting shared characteristics without necessarily referencing a particular instance.