always like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent state or behavior that has not changed over time. Example: "Every time I visit this café, the service is always like this—slow and inattentive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wasn't always like this.

The New York Times

She wasn't always like this.

The Guardian - Film

I wasn't always like this.

The New York Times

Weekends weren't always like this.

The New Yorker

But it wasn't always like this.

Independent

It certainly wasn't always like this.

The Guardian - Travel

Trump's schedule wasn't always like this.

The Washington Post

The situation wasn't always like this.

The New York Times

The GOP wasn't always like this.

The Washington Post

However, it wasn't always like this.

BBC

Of course, it wasn't always like this.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always like this" to describe situations that consistently exhibit the same characteristics or behaviors over time. This implies a pattern or established norm.

Common error

Avoid using "always like this" for situations where the consistency is only perceived or temporary. Ensure there is sufficient evidence to support the claim of consistent behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always like this" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a consistent state or recurring manner. It describes how something consistently is or happens, providing additional detail about its characteristics. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always like this" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It describes a consistent state or behavior, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news reports to everyday conversations. While alternatives like "invariably this way" and "consistently this way" offer more formal options, "always like this" remains a versatile choice for conveying regularity and predictability. Remember to use it when describing genuinely consistent scenarios to avoid overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invariably this way

Replaces "always" with "invariably", emphasizing the consistent nature of the state or behavior.

consistently this way

Substitutes "always" with "consistently", highlighting the unchanging nature of the situation.

perpetually in this state

Replaces "always" with "perpetually" and "like this" with "in this state", suggesting an ongoing and continuous condition.

habitually in this manner

Uses "habitually" instead of "always" and "in this manner" instead of "like this", indicating a customary or usual way of being.

typically in this fashion

Employs "typically" and "in this fashion" to convey a common or expected condition.

uniformly in this condition

Replaces "always" with "uniformly", emphasizing a consistent and unvarying state.

without fail, this way

Uses "without fail" to express the certainty of the state, replacing "always".

invariably so

A shorter, more concise way of saying "always like this", maintaining the emphasis on consistency.

regularly in such a state

Highlights the regularity of the state using "regularly" and "in such a state".

ever thus

An archaic and formal alternative, meaning "always in this way" or "it has always been this way".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "always like this" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "invariably this way", "consistently this way", or "perpetually in this state" to convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

Is it correct to use "always like this" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "always like this" may sound informal for some academic contexts. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "uniformly in this condition" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "always like this" imply about a situation?

The phrase "always like this" implies that a certain situation, behavior, or characteristic has been consistently observed over a period of time. It suggests a pattern or established norm that is not likely to change.

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

You can use "always like this" to describe a consistent state or behavior. For example: "Every time I visit this café, the service is "always like this"—slow and inattentive."