it went like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it went like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a description of an event or situation, often followed by a recounting of what happened. Example: "When I asked her about the meeting, she said it went like this: everyone was confused at first, but then we found common ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Its arrival would cause tremendous excitement wherever it went, like the circus coming to town.

The Guardian

In poetic moods, it went like this: "What writing itself, in its nonphonetic moment, betrays, is life.

The New Yorker

It went like this.

The New Yorker

It went like this: "Left".

The New York Times

It went like a dream.

The Guardian - Travel

It went like this: "Alvin!

The New York Times

It went like this: 1.

The New York Times

"It went like proverbial hot cakes".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it went like that for a while.

The New York Times

It went like that most of the game.

The New York Times

"It went like this: Ying proposed tattooing a pig.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it went like" to introduce a specific description or example of how something happened, making sure the context is clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it went like" in situations where a more formal or abstract explanation is required; it is best suited for describing concrete actions or events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it went like" serves as a transitional phrase, introducing a description, example, or recounting of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and is used to set the stage for explaining how something occurred or progressed, as showcased in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it went like" is a versatile and commonly used expression to introduce a description, example, or narrative sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it functions to clarify or elaborate on a preceding statement by providing specific details about how something happened. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. Remember to use "it went like" when you want to provide a clear and illustrative account of events, as shown by the many examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what happened was

Directly introduces the events that occurred.

it unfolded as

Substitutes "went" with "unfolded", emphasizing the unfolding of events.

it played out like

Emphasizes the dramatic or sequential nature of events.

the story goes

Implies a narrative or recounting of events.

it transpired as

Replaces "went" with "transpired", indicating how events unfolded.

it proceeded as

Replaces "went" with "proceeded", focusing on the manner of progression.

the situation developed as

Emphasizes how a situation changed or evolved.

the sequence of events was

This is a more descriptive, less idiomatic way to introduce a sequence of events.

the course of action was

Focuses on a specific plan or set of actions.

the events unfolded in this manner

More formal and descriptive, specifying how the events progressed.

FAQs

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

Use "it went like" to introduce a description or example of how something occurred. For example, "The meeting was chaotic, "it went like" this: the projector broke, and then the CEO started shouting".

What's a more formal alternative to "it went like"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "the sequence of events was", "the situation unfolded as", or "it transpired as".

Is "it went like" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "it went like" is generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal language to describe events or processes.

Can "it went like" be used to describe feelings or abstract concepts?

It's best to use "it went like" to describe specific actions or events. For feelings or abstract concepts, use more descriptive and nuanced language that accurately conveys the intended meaning.