behave like that

USAGE SUMMARY

"behave like that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone's behavior that you consider inappropriate or wrong. For example: "I can't believe John would behave like that in public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The phlegmatic Brits don't behave like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Except, I don't behave like that at work," she said.

The New Yorker

Normal banks don't behave like that (we hope).

The Guardian - Business

And the answer is no — wages (and many prices) don't behave like that.

The New York Times

He resolved never to behave like that to someone who needed his help.

The New Yorker

Civilised nations do not behave like that in the 21st century.

Independent

Don't behave like that in this chamber!" Sometimes, they listen; other times, they do not.

The New York Times

Her parents were both doctors and "respectable" people don't behave like that.

Independent

But if he knew what we know, he wouldn't behave like that.

The Guardian

I think we would all like to believe we would behave like that when the going gets rough.

The New York Times - Books

We can't say that is what we want in the country if we don't behave like that ourselves".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "behave like that" to express disapproval or surprise regarding someone's actions. Ensure the context clearly indicates why the behavior is considered unacceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "behave like that" in highly formal or academic writing. While generally acceptable, more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be better suited for those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behave like that" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe a manner of acting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, serving to critique or question specific actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behave like that" is a commonly used phrase to express disapproval or surprise, particularly in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of the formality of their writing and choose more precise vocabulary if necessary. Alternatives like "act that way" or "conduct oneself in that way" can be used depending on the context and desired level of formality. The examples gathered from Ludwig show various contexts where this phrase is effectively employed, solidifying its place in common English usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act that way

A more direct and common alternative.

act in such a way

Similar to "act that way" but slightly more descriptive.

act in that manner

Formal alternative, focusing on the way someone acts.

behave in that fashion

Adds a touch of formality while maintaining the core meaning.

conduct oneself in that way

Emphasizes self-control and decorum in behavior.

carry on like that

Suggests a continuation of undesirable behavior.

do such a thing

Highlights a specific action considered inappropriate.

go on like that

Focuses on the persistence of a particular behavior.

carry on in that fashion

Highlights the continuation of a specific behavior considered inappropriate.

conduct oneself thusly

Extremely formal and somewhat archaic alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "behave like that" in a sentence?

You can use "behave like that" to express disapproval or disbelief about someone's actions, as in "I can't believe he would behave like that in front of his boss."

What are some alternatives to "behave like that"?

Consider using alternatives such as "act that way", "conduct oneself in that way", or "carry on like that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "behave like that"?

Yes, "behave like that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English to express disapproval or surprise.

What's the difference between "behave like that" and "act that way"?

While similar, "behave like that" often carries a stronger connotation of disapproval or surprise compared to the more neutral phrase "act that way". The choice depends on the intended emphasis.