do anything like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do anything like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a refusal or inability to perform a specific action or similar actions. Example: "I would never do anything like that, as it goes against my principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't do anything like that now".

The Guardian

"We would never do anything like that.

The Guardian - Business

I don't think we'd ever do anything like that again".

The New York Times

"Now listen, Henry, you can't do anything like that.

The New Yorker

For the moment, he probably can't do anything like that.

The New York Times

"I didn't expect her to do anything like that.

The Guardian - Sport

The locals would never do anything like that.

The New York Times

But don't do anything like that in The Ten Commandments".

The Guardian - Film

I thought I could never do anything like that.

The New York Times

I knew Becky wouldn't do anything like that.

The Guardian

And of course with George, I didn't really do anything like that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; in very formal settings, a more precise or technical term might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "do anything like that" repeatedly in formal documents; it can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Vary your language by using "perform similar actions" or "engage in comparable activities" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do anything like that" functions as a general reference to an action or behavior, typically one that has been previously mentioned or implied. It avoids explicit repetition by using "that" as a placeholder. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do anything like that" is a versatile phrase used to refer to a previously mentioned action in a general way, often to express denial, refusal, or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. While very common in news and media, and acceptable in academic or general conversation, more formal contexts may benefit from more precise alternatives. This phrase carries a neutral to slightly informal register and is best employed when the context clearly defines the action "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity and maintaining clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do something similar

Focuses on performing an action that shares characteristics with the original one, shifting from the specific nature to a general similarity.

do anything of the kind

Generalizes the action to a broader category, expressing a disinclination towards actions of that nature.

act in such a way

Emphasizes the manner of acting, replacing a specific action with a broad reference to behavior.

behave in a similar manner

Similar to "act in such a way" but with a greater emphasis on the observed behavior.

engage in that sort of activity

Substitutes the specific action with a categorization of it as an activity, distancing the user from the particulars.

repeat that kind of behavior

Implies a pattern or previous instance of the action, focusing on recurrence rather than a singular event.

replicate that action

Highlights the reproduction of a specific action, with a focus on precision and duplication.

follow suit

Suggests conformity or imitation, implying that the action is being done in response to someone else's lead.

emulate that behavior

Implies that the actor is trying to copy someone else's behavior with the intent to match or surpass it.

take similar steps

Emphasizes the progression or process of the action, viewing it as a series of steps rather than a single occurrence.

FAQs

What does "do anything like that" mean?

It generally means to perform an action similar to something that has already been mentioned or implied. It's a way of referring to a comparable action without specifying it in detail.

When is it appropriate to use "do anything like that"?

It's suitable when you want to refer to a previously mentioned action or behavior in a general way, without needing to specify the details again. It works best when the context makes the reference clear.

What are some alternatives to "do anything like that"?

You can use alternatives like "do something similar", "act in such a way", or "engage in that sort of activity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "do anything like that" considered formal or informal?

It leans towards the informal side. In formal writing, you might prefer more specific and precise language. For instance, instead of "I would never do anything like that", you could say "I would never "condone such behavior"".