it tastes like

USAGE SUMMARY

"it tastes like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the flavor of something. For example: "This cake tastes like chocolate and peanut butter!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It tastes like chalk".

The New Yorker

"It tastes like fresh.

The New York Times

It tastes like piss".

The New York Times

"Sometimes it tastes like dishwater.

The New York Times - Food

O.K., it tastes like dirt.

The New York Times

It tastes like bread.

The Guardian

It tastes like butter.

The New Yorker

It tastes like vinaigrette.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It tastes like Japan.

The New York Times - Food

"It tastes like spaghetti".

The New York Times

It tastes like poison.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a taste, follow "it tastes like" with a concrete and recognizable flavor to make your description vivid and relatable.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague or abstract descriptions after "it tastes like". Instead of saying "it tastes like happiness", try "it tastes like warm apple pie with cinnamon."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it tastes like" functions as a sensory descriptor. It connects a subject (the food or drink) to a flavor comparison. This allows speakers and writers to effectively convey the taste experience, as Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it tastes like" is a versatile and common expression used to describe flavors by making comparisons. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. Analysis of its usage patterns reveals that it is particularly prevalent in news and media, where clear and relatable descriptions are essential. Remember to use concrete, recognizable flavors for effective communication, and avoid overly vague comparisons. Explore the related phrases to add nuance to your flavor descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it tastes similar to

Highlights the similarity in taste to something else.

the taste is comparable to

Indicates that the taste can be compared to something else.

it has the flavor of

Focuses on the specific flavor profile present.

it carries a hint of

Suggests a subtle presence of a particular flavor.

the flavor is reminiscent of

This alternative evokes a sense of memory or association in the taste.

the dominant flavor is

Specifies the primary flavor experienced.

it offers a flavor profile akin to

More elaborate way to express similarity in flavor.

it possesses the essence of

Implies capturing the core flavor of something.

it savors of

A more formal way of indicating a particular taste.

it shares characteristics with

Emphasizes shared qualities regarding taste.

FAQs

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

Use "it tastes like" to describe the flavor of something by comparing it to a familiar taste. For example, "This coffee tastes like burnt caramel."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "it tastes like"?

You can use phrases like "it has the flavor of", "it tastes similar to", or "the flavor is reminiscent of" for a more nuanced description.

Which is more accurate: "it tastes like [flavor]" or "it tastes of [flavor]"?

"It tastes like [flavor]" is more common and generally preferred in contemporary English. "It tastes of [flavor]" is also correct but sounds slightly more formal or old-fashioned.

What can I say instead of "it tastes like" to describe a complex flavor?

To describe a complex flavor, try "it carries a hint of", which suggests subtle flavors, or specify "the dominant flavor is" to highlight the primary taste.