anything like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything like this" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when comparing something to a specific example or situation. Example: "I've never seen anything like this before." Alternative expressions include "anything similar to this" and "anything resembling this."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Never seen anything like this.

The New York Times

"I have never seen anything like this.

The New York Times

There's never been anything like this".

The New York Times

We've never seen anything like this".

The New York Times

"I can't remember anything like this".

The New York Times

I haven't experienced anything like this".

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't expect anything like this.

The New York Times - Arts

Have you tried anything like this before?

The New York Times

You can't force anything like this.

The New York Times

"We didn't have anything like this".

The New York Times - Arts

"We've never done anything like this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anything like this" to express surprise or disbelief when encountering something unprecedented or remarkable. It effectively conveys the novelty of the situation.

Common error

While "anything like this" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything like this" primarily functions as a comparative element within a sentence, often expressing surprise, disbelief, or a lack of prior experience. It highlights the unique nature of a situation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anything like this" is a versatile expression used to convey surprise or disbelief at something unprecedented. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common, featuring prominently in news and media sources. While its adaptability allows for use in various contexts, it's best to avoid it in formal or highly technical writing, where more precise language is preferred. Related phrases, such as "anything similar to this", offer alternative ways to express the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anything similar to this

Emphasizes the likeness or resemblance between the current situation and others.

anything remotely like this

Emphasizes that nothing has even come close to the current situation.

anything comparable to this

Highlights the ability to draw parallels or make comparisons.

something of this nature

Focuses on the essence or kind of the situation, rather than the specific details.

a thing of this sort

A more generic way to refer to events or items sharing similar characteristics.

anything along these lines

Suggests a broader category of things that share a general theme or direction.

an occurrence like this

Specifically refers to events that are similar in nature.

experience of this kind

Refers to similar lived encounters or sensations.

a situation of this magnitude

Highlights the scale or importance of the current circumstances.

precedent for this

Checks for previous cases of similar nature, mostly on legal or formal context.

FAQs

What does "anything like this" mean?

The phrase "anything like this" is used to express that something is unprecedented or unusual, implying that the speaker has never encountered a similar situation before. It suggests a sense of surprise or novelty.

What can I say instead of "anything like this"?

You can use alternatives like "anything similar to this", "something of this nature", or "anything comparable to this" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I've never seen anything like this before"?

Yes, "I've never seen anything like this before" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize that you are witnessing something unique or extraordinary.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "anything like this"?

It is appropriate to use "anything like this" in situations where you want to express surprise or disbelief at something novel or unprecedented. It can be used in both informal and neutral contexts, but should be avoided in formal or academic writing where more precise language is expected.