like a horse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a horse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to describe something that is strong, powerful, or enduring, similar to the qualities associated with horses. Example: "She worked all day in the garden, laboring like a horse to get everything done before sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For my birthday I'd like a horse, and I'd like to go to the Caribbean.

BBC

"It's like a horse".

The New Yorker

Like a horse".

The New Yorker

"But I like a horse race".

The New York Times

Like a rabbit, not like a horse.

The New York Times

He's like a horse whisperer.

The New York Times

He ate like a horse".

The New York Times

"It's like a horse, isn't it?

The Guardian - Film

It looks like a horse – Equus or perhaps Pliohippus.

Princeton University

We had a stall, like a horse stall.

Independent

"The country is like a horse and cart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a horse" when you want to emphasize the intensity or volume of an action, such as eating or working, suggesting a large quantity or great effort.

Common error

Don't use "like a horse" to describe actions that are actually related to horses, such as riding or grooming. The phrase is typically used metaphorically to describe human behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a horse" functions primarily as an adverbial simile, modifying verbs to describe the manner of an action. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use to intensify the description of activities such as eating, working, or running, implying strength or voracity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a horse" is a common and grammatically sound phrase predominantly used as an adverbial simile. Ludwig AI indicates that it serves to amplify descriptions of actions, implying great effort or consumption. While found across various contexts, it's most prevalent in news and media. The phrase carries a neutral to informal tone, making it suitable for diverse communication styles. Remember to employ it metaphorically to add vividness to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a workhorse

Directly compares someone to a horse in terms of labor.

is as strong as an ox

Emphasizes physical strength and endurance.

works tirelessly

Focuses on the effort and energy exerted.

labors diligently

Stresses the dedication and hard work involved.

eats voraciously

Highlights the large amount of food consumed.

works very hard

Replaces the figurative language with a literal description of effort.

is indefatigable

Emphasizes a relentless and tireless nature.

is a glutton

Specifically refers to overeating.

is energetic

Highlights high levels of activity and vitality.

consumes a lot

Focuses on the amount of something being used or eaten.

FAQs

How can I use "like a horse" in a sentence?

You can use "like a horse" to describe someone eating a lot (e.g., "He eats "like a horse" after football practice") or working very hard (e.g., "She worked "like a horse" to finish the project on time").

What does it mean to eat "like a horse"?

To eat "like a horse" means to eat a very large amount of food. It implies a hearty appetite and a large consumption.

Is it grammatically correct to say "like a horse"?

Yes, "like a horse" is a grammatically correct phrase. It's typically used as part of a simile to describe the manner in which someone performs an action, such as eating or working.

What are some alternative phrases for working "like a horse"?

Instead of working "like a horse", you could say someone is working "tirelessly", "diligently", or "relentlessly".