is like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw a comparison or similarity between two things. Example: "Her smile is like sunshine on a cloudy day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Singing is like dancing.

The New Yorker

"Obamacare" is like "J.

The New York Times

Brilliant code is like poetry".

Independent

"Jewelry is like sculpture.

The New York Times

"This is like family".

The New York Times

It is like memory.

The New Yorker

"Bali is like sugar.

The New York Times

Greatness is like love.

The New York Times - Sports

Marja is like that.

The New York Times

"Sex is like eating.

Independent

"Obama is like that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is like", ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to your audience to enhance understanding and engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "is like" with overly generic or abstract comparisons that do not provide meaningful insight or clarity. Instead, focus on specific and concrete similarities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is like" primarily functions as a comparative expression, drawing parallels between two distinct subjects. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatile use in analogies and similes to enhance understanding and engagement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is like" serves as a highly versatile and frequently used comparative phrase, effectively drawing analogies and similes across diverse contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and particularly prevalent in news and media sources, with applications extending into scientific, formal, and general domains. To ensure clarity and impact, it's essential to avoid vague comparisons and focus on concrete similarities when employing this phrase. Alternatives such as "is similar to" and "resembles" offer nuanced variations suitable for different writing styles. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can harness the power of "is like" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is similar to

Replaces "like" with "similar to", providing a more formal tone.

resembles

Offers a more direct comparison, often used for visual or structural similarities.

is comparable to

Highlights that the two subjects share notable characteristics for comparison.

is analogous to

Suggests a deeper, more complex relationship or parallel between the subjects.

is akin to

Implies a close relationship or essential similarity.

mirrors

Indicates a direct reflection or close correspondence.

is reminiscent of

Suggests that something evokes memories or feelings associated with the other subject.

is in the same vein as

Indicates a similarity in style, approach, or character.

bears a resemblance to

More explicitly states the presence of similar qualities or features.

approximates

Indicates an estimation or close matching but not exact.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is like" is used to draw a comparison between two different things. For example, "This new software "is like" having a personal assistant".

What phrases can I use instead of "is like"?

You can use phrases such as "is similar to", "resembles", or "is comparable to" to provide variety and formality to your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "is like"?

While grammatically acceptable in informal contexts, starting a sentence with "is like" is generally avoided in formal writing. Consider rephrasing for clarity and professionalism.

What's the difference between "is like" and "as" when making comparisons?

"Is like" is used for analogies or inexact comparisons, while "as" is typically used for direct comparisons. For example, "He runs "is like" the wind" suggests speed, whereas "He runs as fast as the wind" implies equal speed.