do something like that

USAGE SUMMARY

"Do something like that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest a course of action that is similar to what has already been suggested. For example: "We could look into buying a new couch, or do something like that to update our living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We could do something like that.

The New Yorker

She would do something like that.

The New York Times

I'd probably do something like that.

The Guardian

I would never do something like that.

The New York Times

We may do something like that.

The Guardian

I could do something like that.

The New Yorker

I would love to do something like that.

The New York Times

"I never figured him to do something like that.

The New York Times

Microsoft and Google have yet to do something like that.

The New York Times

I really hope I can do something like that.

The Guardian - Arts

He's way too talented to do something like that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "do something like that" when you want to suggest a similar, but not necessarily identical, action to one already mentioned or understood.

Common error

Avoid using "do something like that" too frequently without providing context. Ensure the 'that' refers to a clear and specific action to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do something like that" functions as a suggestion or indication of a similar action or approach. It implies that the specific action is not necessarily identical but shares common characteristics with a previously mentioned or understood action. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "do something like that" is a versatile phrase used to suggest a course of action similar to one already mentioned or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While useful for its brevity, be mindful of overusing it and ensure the context provides sufficient clarity. Consider more formal alternatives such as "act in a similar manner" or "adopt a similar approach" in professional or academic settings. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "do something like that" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act in a similar manner

Focuses on the action or behavior being imitated.

take similar steps

Emphasizes the progression of actions or procedures.

replicate that action

Highlights the act of copying or reproducing a specific action.

follow a similar path

Suggests a comparable course or direction of action.

mimic that behavior

Focuses on imitating a particular behavior or pattern.

adopt a similar approach

Highlights the method or strategy used.

emulate that process

Emphasizes the attempt to match or surpass a process.

go along similar lines

Indicates a general agreement or similarity in thinking or planning.

try something along those lines

More casual way to express an idea that is similar.

operate in a similar fashion

Suggests a similar way of operating or functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "do something like that" in a sentence?

You can use "do something like that" to suggest a course of action similar to what has been previously mentioned. For example, "We could invest in stocks, or "do something like that" to grow our savings."

What's a more formal way to say "do something like that"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "act in a similar manner" or "adopt a similar approach" for a more professional tone.

Is it correct to say "doing something like that" instead of "do something like that"?

Yes, "doing something like that" is grammatically correct, but it implies an ongoing action, while ""do something like that"" is more general and can refer to a future or hypothetical action.

When is it appropriate to use "do something like that" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "do something like that" in informal writing or conversation when you want to suggest an action that is similar to something already mentioned or understood, without specifying the exact details. In formal writing, use a more precise alternative.