it reads like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it reads like' is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a text by comparing it to something else, for example: "This book reads like a crime novel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It reads like propaganda.

The Guardian - Books

It reads like a menu".

The New York Times

It reads like a diary.

The New York Times

"It reads like Soviet propaganda".

The New York Times - Books

It reads like a parody.

The New Yorker

It reads like a novel.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It reads like Hemingway for children.

Independent

It reads like a glam manifesto".

Independent

It reads like an April Fool.

Independent

Sometimes it reads like prophecy.

The Guardian

It reads like a record on repeat.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it reads like" to provide a concise and evocative comparison, helping your reader quickly grasp the essence of the text or situation you are describing. For example, "The legal document reads like a complex puzzle."

Common error

Avoid using "it reads like" when referring to the physical act of reading. This phrase is best used for conveying the impression or feeling a text evokes, not for describing the reading process itself. Instead of saying "He reads like a beginner", say "He reads with difficulty" or "He is a beginner reader."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it reads like" functions as a comparative expression, likening the subject at hand to something else in terms of style, content, or overall impression. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, demonstrating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it reads like" is a versatile and commonly used expression for comparing a subject to something else based on its style, content, or overall impression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its widespread usage across diverse contexts like news and media, academia, and formal business settings further solidifies its acceptability. Remember, the phrase is most effective when used to convey a subjective assessment or interpretation. When in doubt, consider alternatives such as "it seems like" or "it gives the impression of" for nuanced expression. Avoid literal interpretations related to the physical action of reading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems like

Focuses on the perceived appearance or impression rather than the act of reading.

it gives the impression of

Emphasizes the overall feeling or perception created by something.

it has the feel of

Highlights the sensory experience or atmosphere evoked by something.

it comes across as

Indicates how something is perceived or interpreted by others.

it resembles

Highlights similarity in appearance or character.

it reminds me of

Expresses a personal association or memory triggered by something.

it sounds like

Shifts the focus to auditory perception, implying a similarity in sound or tone.

it strikes one as

Highlights the immediate and noticeable impression something makes.

it looks like

Focuses on visual similarity, describing what something appears to be.

it suggests

Implies a hint or indication of something, rather than a direct resemblance.

FAQs

How can I use "it reads like" in a sentence?

Use "it reads like" to compare the style or content of something to something else. For example, "The politician's speech "it reads like" a script from a movie" or "Her poetry "it reads like" a song."

What's a more formal way to say "it reads like"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it gives the impression of", "it presents itself as", or "it exhibits characteristics of". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

How does "it reads like" differ from "it is like"?

"It reads like" suggests a similarity in style, tone, or content, specifically through the act of reading. "It is like" is a more general comparison that doesn't necessarily imply a textual experience. For example, saying "This policy "it reads like" propaganda" implies the style is propagandistic, whereas "This policy "it is like" a prison" means it functions as a prison.

What can I say instead of "it reads like"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems like", "it gives the impression of", or "it has the feel of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.