it's like

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's like" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a comparison phrase, such as, "It's like comparing apples to oranges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's like window shopping".

The New Yorker

Where before it's like, "Okay.

International Journal of STEM Education

It's like physics.

Forbes

It's like, wow.

BMC Public Health

So, it's like, not there.

BMC Nursing

It's like ET's body".

BMJ Open

It's like a cleansing".

The New York Times

It's like polo".

The New Yorker

"It's, like, 'Bueller?

The New Yorker

But it's like marriage.

The New York Times

It's like the ultimate.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's like" to create relatable analogies, making complex ideas easier to understand. For example, "Explaining quantum physics is hard; "it's like" trying to nail jelly to a wall."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "it's like" in formal writing. While effective for clarity, excessive use can make your writing sound unprofessional. Instead use a term like "similarly" or "in the same way".

Linguistic Context

"It's like" serves primarily as a comparative phrase, introducing analogies or similarities between two distinct concepts or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical acceptability and frequent usage. For instance, "It's like window shopping" exemplifies its function in simplifying complex ideas through relatable comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it's like" is a versatile comparative tool, commonly used to create analogies and simplify complex ideas. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to elucidate by drawing parallels to familiar concepts. While its informal tone is effective for clarity, it's essential to balance its use with more formal language in professional writing. Remember, using related phrases such as "it is similar to" and "it resembles" can help enhance the sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's much like

Adds emphasis to the similarity.

it is similar to

Focuses on the resemblance between two things, emphasizing a shared quality.

it is comparable to

Suggests a basis for comparison, often implying a degree of equivalence.

it resembles

Highlights the visual or superficial similarity.

it's comparable with

Indicates that something is being compared and found to be similar to something else.

it's akin to

Implies a close relationship or similarity, often in a more abstract or conceptual sense.

it is analogous to

Emphasizes a parallel or correspondence in function or structure.

it bears resemblance to

Formal way of indicating that something has qualities that are similar to something else.

it can be likened to

Suggests a poetic or imaginative comparison.

it approximates to

Implies that something is similar in nature but not exactly

FAQs

How can I use "it's like" in a sentence?

"It's like" is used to draw a comparison between two things. For example, "Trying to argue with him "it's like" talking to a brick wall."

What phrases are similar to "it's like"?

Similar phrases include "it is similar to", "it resembles", or "it is comparable to depending on the context".

Is it okay to start a sentence with "it's like"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "it's like" is grammatically correct and commonly used in informal contexts to introduce a comparison or analogy.

When should I avoid using "it's like"?

While acceptable in most situations, avoid using "it's like" in formal writing where more precise or sophisticated language is preferred. Try using "similarly" or "in the same way" instead.