it likes that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it likes that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a subject that has a preference or enjoyment for something specific. Example: "The cat seems to enjoy the new toy; it likes that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It can argue all it likes that £350m is a "gross figure".

The Guardian

It will ask you what your favourite animal is, then says it likes that animal too.

WikiHow

I've also put it in the freezer while I'm writing this, so we'll see how it likes that.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't do it like that".

The New York Times

Sickert wants it like that, we feel.

Independent

But who thinks about it like that?

Independent

Put it like that," General Jacobson said.

The New York Times

Just put it like that: Things happened".

The New York Times

I'd never done it like that".

The New Yorker

"When you put it like that, gosh!

Independent

Is it like that every night?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it likes that", ensure the pronoun "it" clearly refers to a specific noun or subject previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity. For example: "The software has a new feature; it likes that."

Common error

Avoid using "it likes that" when the referent for "it" is unclear or missing. Always ensure the reader knows what "it" is referring to. Instead of: "Likes that!", write: "The dog likes that!"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it likes that" functions as a simple declarative statement, indicating a preference or enjoyment. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct, though infrequent. It conveys a straightforward sentiment about something being agreeable to the subject.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it likes that" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare expression used to indicate that a subject finds something pleasing or agreeable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English, with contexts primarily found in News & Media and Wiki sources. For more formal settings, alternatives like "it enjoys that" or "that appeals to it" may be more appropriate. When using this phrase, ensure that "it" has a clear referent to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it enjoys that

Replaces "likes" with "enjoys", indicating a sense of pleasure or satisfaction.

it prefers that

Substitutes "likes" with "prefers", suggesting a choice or preference over other options.

it favors that

Uses "favors" instead of "likes", implying a stronger inclination or support.

that appeals to it

Changes the structure to highlight the appeal of something to the subject.

it finds that agreeable

Replaces "likes" with "finds agreeable", indicating a sense of acceptance or approval.

that is to its liking

Rearranges the sentence to emphasize that something meets the subject's tastes.

it is fond of that

Uses "fond of" instead of "likes", suggesting affection or attachment.

it is partial to that

Replaces "likes" with "partial to", indicating a preference or bias.

it takes pleasure in that

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from something.

that suits it well

Focuses on how well something fits or matches the subject's needs or preferences.

FAQs

How can I use "it likes that" in a sentence?

Use "it likes that" to express that something is pleasing or agreeable to a particular subject. For instance, "The program is very user-friendly; it likes that."

What are some alternatives to saying "it likes that"?

Consider using alternatives such as "it enjoys that", "it prefers that", or "it favors that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it likes that" formal or informal?

The phrase "it likes that" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might opt for "it finds that agreeable" or "that appeals to it".

Is it correct to say "it like that" instead of "it likes that"?

No, "it like that" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it likes that", as the singular pronoun "it" requires the third-person singular verb form "likes".