got like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got like that" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation to describe a situation or feeling that has developed or changed in a certain way. Example: "I never thought he would react so strongly, but he just got like that after the news."

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I have no idea how I got like that.

The Guardian

Goldfarb drove a young woman and her newborn child to a burnt-out Bronx and wondered how and, more importantly, why it got like that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How do you think that place got like that?

Princeton University

It got like that some visits.

The New York Times

Ask people how it got like that, and they will tell you it has always been this way.

The Guardian

And if you think that milk got like that by chance, you don't know Seahawks Fans!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I can get like that.

The New York Times

"I love when it gets like that.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yeah, I don't usually get like that.

The New York Times - Sports

Even in the small towns anymore, it's getting like that.

Yale University

Iris wants to know what she should do if Jack gets like that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When more formal situations are required, prefer "became that way" or "ended up like that".

Common error

Avoid using "got like that" in professional emails or academic papers. Opt for more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got like that" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a change in state or condition. Ludwig AI identifies it as acceptable but advises caution in formal contexts. It describes how something or someone came to be in a particular way.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Wiki

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got like that" is an informal phrase used to describe how something or someone ended up in a particular state or condition. While Ludwig AI acknowledges its acceptability in casual conversation, it's important to avoid using it in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "became that way" or "ended up like that" for professional or academic contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, but is still relatively rare overall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became that way

Implies a transformation into a specific condition or state.

ended up like that

Suggests a final state, often unplanned or unexpected.

turned out that way

Focuses on the result or outcome of a process.

evolved to that state

Describes a gradual change over time.

degenerated into that

Indicates a decline or worsening condition.

progressed to that point

Highlights the advancement towards a specific stage.

deteriorated to that level

Emphasizes a decline in quality or condition.

regressed to that condition

Suggests a return to a previous, often undesirable, state.

descended into that state

Describes a movement to a lower or worse situation.

transformed in that manner

Highlights the way something has changed.

FAQs

What does "got like that" mean?

The phrase "got like that" generally means to become or end up in a particular state or condition. It often implies a change or transformation.

When is it appropriate to use "got like that"?

It's appropriate to use "got like that" in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. Avoid using it in formal writing or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "got like that"?

You can use alternatives like "became that way", "ended up like that", or "turned out that way" depending on the context.

Is "got like that" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in spoken English, "got like that" is considered informal. It's generally acceptable in casual conversation but not in formal writing.