like I told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like I told" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
You can use it when referring to something you previously mentioned or instructed someone about, often in a conversational context. Example: "I really need you to finish that report by Friday, like I told you last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And Diggle isn't like, "I told you so"?

Huffington Post

But actually, we would like – I told her I just like…I would like to understand the situation.

BMC Family Practice

"Like I told you.

The New York Times

Like I told her, this is your bread and butter".

The New Yorker

Like I told you: I was chasing a girl.

The New Yorker

"The kid rode him just like I told him".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's like I told the players," Groh said yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

"Like I told Alex, 'You'll break it,' " Bonds said.

The New York Times - Sports

Like I told you, it's all about those turnovers.

The Guardian - Sport

It's just like I told you a few weeks ago".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"These are Jude-like," I told Beau as we gazed into the fitting rooms' mirror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like I told" in conversational or informal writing to maintain a relaxed tone. In professional or academic contexts, opt for more formal alternatives such as "as I mentioned" or "as previously stated".

Common error

Avoid using "like I told" in formal reports, academic papers, or business correspondence. Its informality can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like I told" functions as a conversational connector, linking a current statement to a prior one. It indicates that the speaker is referencing something they've previously communicated, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like I told" is a grammatically sound, though informal, phrase used to reference prior communication. As Ludwig's AI indicates, while perfectly valid, its appropriateness depends on the context; it's best suited for informal settings like conversations or casual writing. More formal scenarios, such as academic papers or business communications, benefit from alternative phrases like "as I mentioned" or "as previously stated". Its high frequency in news and media reflects its common conversational usage. Always consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing whether to use "like I told".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I said

A simple and direct way to refer to a prior statement.

as I mentioned

More formal and direct, suitable for professional settings.

I already told you

More assertive, implying the listener should remember.

I had mentioned earlier

Subtly reminds of a past conversation.

as previously stated

Formal and emphasizes the prior declaration.

I informed you that

Formal and emphasizes the act of informing.

if you recall, I said

Adds a reminder, implying the listener might have forgotten.

remember when I said

Directly asks the listener to recall the prior statement.

to reiterate what I said

Highlights the repetition of the information.

just as I forewarned

Adds a tone of warning or prediction.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "like I told"?

For formal contexts, you can use alternatives such as "as I mentioned", "as I stated", or "as previously discussed". These options maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "like I told"?

The phrase "like I told" is suitable for informal conversations, casual writing, and situations where a relaxed tone is acceptable. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

Is "like I told you" grammatically correct?

Yes, "like I told you" is grammatically correct, but it's considered informal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, while recommending a check of the situation for use suitability.

How can I emphasize the importance of what I previously said instead of using "like I told"?

To emphasize the importance, you could say "as I emphasized earlier", or "it's crucial to remember what I said about this".