like as though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like as though" is not correct in standard written English.
It is a redundant expression, as "like" and "as though" convey similar meanings. Example: "She acted like as though she didn't care about the outcome."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"When they're crossing the badlands, instead of telling us what's going on between Kit and herself, she describes what they ate and what it tasted like, as though we might be planning a similar trip". What's more, her blank reaction when Kit guns down her father makes the slaying more shocking than any amount of hysterical identification.

The Guardian - Film

If you've ever had an MRI, you know what it sounds like -- as though the capsule is being bombed by some alien force.

HuffPost

Conventional wisdom effectively treats capital (land, structures, machines, and the like) as though it were a kind of holy water that, sprinkled on or about labor, makes it more productive.

Huffington Post

Yes, it's a romantic cliché, but the connection between the two characters is palpable and, as they fall in love, you can't help but be reminded of how it feels to meet someone you really like: as though you are the only two people in the world.

Vice

Yes, it's a romantic cliché, but the connection between the two characters is palpable and, as they fall in love, you can't help being reminded of how it feels to meet someone you really like: as though you are the only two people in the world.

Vice

With the lighting and the bunting, the Globe looks like as though it has half-mutated into an Edwardian music hall.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The substitution of like for as, though, would tidy things up nicely.

The New York Times - Magazine

It doesn't have to end like that though, as long as you keep an open mind.

WikiHow

I feel like I'm in the minority in liking Billy and not liking Kent and Robert as well though.

Huffington Post

It was passed on by a friend who thought I might like it, but I don't like feeling as though I have to read something ― I like finding things for myself.

The Guardian

As much as people liked it, though, viewers wondered how the premise could sustain.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "like as though" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives such as "as if" or "as though" for clarity and precision.

Common error

Don't combine "like" and "as though" because they serve the same function. Choose one or the other to avoid redundancy and improve sentence flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like as though" functions as a conjunction phrase attempting to introduce a comparison or describe a perceived state. However, Ludwig AI notes its redundancy, as both "like" and "as though" serve similar functions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

30%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like as though" is a redundant and grammatically incorrect phrase that combines "like" and "as though", which have overlapping meanings. Ludwig AI identifies it as such, as do various style guides. While it appears in some informal contexts, particularly in news and media, it's advisable to use the more grammatically sound alternatives, such as "as if" or "as though", to ensure clarity and precision in writing. Using alternatives will improve your communication, especially in formal and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as if

Replaces the entire phrase with a grammatically correct and concise alternative.

as though

Uses the second part of the original phrase to create a correct and clear expression.

as

A shorter alternative that works well when describing a perceived state or condition.

in a way that

Emphasizes the manner in which something is perceived or done.

it seems like

Focuses on the appearance or impression of a situation.

it appears that

Highlights the visual or evident aspects of a situation.

as it were

Adds a touch of formality while indicating a non-literal comparison.

to the effect that

Describes the general sense or impression conveyed by something.

similar to

Indicates a resemblance or likeness to something else.

much like

Draws a parallel or comparison, often in a descriptive context.

FAQs

Is "like as though" grammatically correct?

No, "like as though" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It combines two phrases, "like" and "as though", that serve a similar purpose, leading to redundancy. It's better to use either "as if" or "as though" instead.

What are some alternatives to "like as though"?

Better alternatives include "as if", "as though", or simply "like" depending on the intended meaning. For instance, instead of "He acted like as though he didn't care", you could say "He acted as if he didn't care" or "He acted like he didn't care".

When is it appropriate to use "like" vs "as though"?

Use "like" when making a comparison between two things. Use "as though" or "as if" when describing how someone or something appears or behaves. For example, "She looks like her mother" (comparison) versus "She speaks as though she knows everything" (appearance/behavior).

Why is "like as though" considered redundant?

Both "like" and "as though" introduce a comparison or a hypothetical situation. Using them together is repetitive and doesn't add any additional meaning. Choosing one—either "like" or "as though"—makes the sentence clearer and more concise.