like are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like are" is not correct and usable in written English.
It may be an attempt to compare or describe something, but it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. Example: "Things like are often misunderstood."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The ones I like are the uprights".

The New Yorker

Clothes and the like are provided free.

The Economist

I'm like, are you nuts?

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm like, are you crazy?

The Guardian - Sport

Things I don't like are quail eggs or eel.

The New York Times

It's like, are you serious?

TechCrunch

Clearly, fridgeons and the like are to be excluded.

SEP

Two I like are from the insurance industry.

Forbes

What I like are Key and Peele.

Vice

Most of the villains we like are very smart people.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Type 2 necks (T4-like) are only found in Myoviridae.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "like are" with more precise phrases such as "such as are" or "similar to are" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "like are" in formal writing; instead, use phrases that clearly define comparisons or examples, such as "including" or "such as", to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like are" functions primarily as an informal comparative or illustrative element, often used in spoken language. However, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically questionable, suggesting it lacks clarity and grammatical structure. Its usage often aims to introduce examples or make comparisons but does so in a manner that is not always grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like are" is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in news, media and wiki content. However, Ludwig AI indicates that "like are" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. While the phrase aims to draw comparisons or provide examples, it often lacks grammatical precision. To maintain clarity and correctness, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "such as", "similar to", or rephrasing sentences to align with standard grammatical structures. While prevalent, its usage should be carefully considered based on the context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

such as are

Replaces "like" with "such as" for greater grammatical correctness when introducing examples.

similar to are

Uses "similar to" to draw comparisons instead of using "like" in a grammatically questionable structure.

those that are

Employs "those that are" to specify a set of items or things with a shared characteristic.

the ones that are

Focuses on specific items by using "the ones that are", providing more clarity.

items such as are

Combines "items such as" to introduce examples in a more formal manner.

what resembles are

Uses "what resembles" to highlight resemblances more formally.

which consist of are

Emphasizes composition by using "which consist of", enhancing the description.

examples include are

Directly indicates examples with "examples include", offering greater clarity.

those being like are

Restructures the phrase to be grammatically correct, indicating items similar to something.

aspects like are

Highlights specific aspects or features by using "aspects like", clarifying the reference.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "like are" for listing examples?

Instead of "like are", you can use phrases such as "such as", "for example", or "including" to introduce a list of examples more clearly.

How can I use "like are" correctly in a sentence?

While "like are" is commonly used in informal speech, it's often grammatically incorrect. To ensure clarity and correctness, consider rephrasing your sentence using alternatives like "similar to" or "such as are".

What's the difference between "like are" and "such as are"?

"Like are" is often considered grammatically incorrect, while "such as are" is a more formal and grammatically correct way to introduce examples or comparisons. Using "such as are" enhances clarity in formal writing.

Is it acceptable to use "like are" in academic or professional writing?

In academic or professional writing, it's best to avoid "like are" due to its informal and grammatically questionable nature. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "including", "such as", or "for instance".