elements like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elements like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to specific examples or types of elements within a broader category. Example: "In the study of chemistry, elements like hydrogen and oxygen are fundamental to understanding compounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quasicrystals have regular elements, like normal crystals.

The Economist

The party had familiar elements, like alcohol and football spirit.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't go too wrong with elements like that".

The New York Times - Arts

But often elements like storms or fog made witnesses scarce.

The New York Times - Sports

It is radioisotope dating, using elements like uranium, not carbon.

The New York Times

"There are very few elements like it inside an airplane.

The New York Times

Being in the elements like that, it's pretty profound.

The New York Times - Travel

Some elements, like quick actions, are straightforward, others more complicated.

Independent

Some elements, like social media, exist now in virtual form.

The New York Times

The comic will have traditional elements, like thought and dialogue bubbles, as well as multimedia elements like digital effects, voices and music.

The New York Times - Arts

Only a low-energy explosion would yield lighter elements like carbon but fail to expel heavier elements like iron made in the original star's core.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elements like", ensure the examples you provide are representative and relevant to the category being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "elements like" if you intend to provide an exhaustive list. In such cases, using "including" or stating "all elements" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elements like" functions as an introductory phrase used to provide examples of specific items that fall under a broader category. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correctly used to introduce illustrative examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elements like" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce examples within a broader category. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-suited for illustrative purposes across various writing styles. While it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts, it also appears in scientific and academic writing. For a more formal tone, consider using "such as" or "including". Ensure that the examples you provide after "elements like" are relevant and representative of the category you're discussing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such as

A direct synonym, often used for introducing examples.

for example

Introduces a specific instance to illustrate a general point.

including

Similar to "such as" but may imply a less exhaustive list.

for instance

Identical in function to "for example".

like

A shorter, more informal way of giving examples.

as in

Introduces a clarifying example.

namely

Used to specify particular members of a group.

that is

Clarifies a previous statement with an example.

e.g.

Abbreviation of "for example", commonly used in writing.

to illustrate

Introduces an example that demonstrates a concept.

FAQs

How can I use "elements like" in a sentence?

Use "elements like" to introduce examples of items that belong to a broader category. For instance, "The project requires various resources, elements like time, funding, and skilled personnel."

What are some alternatives to "elements like"?

You can use alternatives such as "such as", "including", or "for example" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "elements like" and "such as"?

"Elements like" is generally less formal than "such as", but both serve a similar purpose in introducing examples. "Such as" might be preferred in formal writing.

When should I use "elements like" instead of "including"?

Use "elements like" when providing a few representative examples. If you aim to provide a more complete or exhaustive list, "including" is more suitable.