like cool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like cool" is not standard or widely accepted in written English.
It may be used informally in casual conversation or text to express approval or admiration, but it lacks clarity in formal writing. Example: "That new car is like cool, I really want one."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At first, Nina is like, "Cool!

The New Yorker

Coming here, playing for America is, like, cool.

The New York Times

They like cool, humid summers and a good winter's chill.

The New York Times - Food

"Basically, I like cool stuff that becomes cooler when you make it a ninja," he says.

The New York Times - Sports

"Obama's, like, cool compared to other politicians — but not as cool as actual cool people," he said.

The New Yorker

Do you like cool shades?

TechCrunch

I don't like cool people (or cool places) and therefore have no cool numbers in my cellphone.

Forbes

Who's in it?" You're just like, "Cool!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

His Montana-like cool?

The New York Times - Sports

Stellar observations show that this is a general pattern for sun-like cool stars.

Advances in Space Research

You will be able to find some business-like, cool clothes for reasonable prices.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "pretty cool" or "really cool" for greater clarity and grammatical correctness. Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between "like cool" and its alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "like cool" in academic papers, business reports, or other formal documents. The phrase is considered too informal and may detract from your credibility. Opt for more professional alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like cool" functions primarily as an adjective phrase used informally to express a positive assessment or agreement. Ludwig's examples show it often follows verbs of perception (e.g., "is like, cool") or serves as a general expression of approval, mirroring the function of simpler terms like "cool".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like cool" is an informal expression that is "acceptable" in casual contexts for conveying mild approval or agreement. According to Ludwig, its prevalence is notable, especially within news, media and wiki sources. However, in formal settings, alternatives such as "pretty cool" or "really cool" are preferred for greater clarity and grammatical correctness. While "like cool" serves a communicative purpose in casual conversation, awareness of its register is essential for effective writing across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pretty cool

Emphasizes the coolness to a noticeable extent.

really cool

Strongly emphasizes the coolness, conveying genuine admiration.

genuinely cool

Highlights the authenticity or sincerity of the coolness.

quite cool

Indicates a considerable degree of coolness, more formal than 'pretty cool'.

totally cool

Expresses complete agreement or approval; very informal.

sort of cool

Adds a degree of qualification to the coolness, suggesting it's not entirely cool but has some redeeming qualities.

kind of cool

Similar to 'sort of cool', indicating a partial or moderate level of coolness.

fairly cool

Suggests a moderate level of coolness, slightly less enthusiastic than 'pretty cool'.

somewhat cool

Similar to 'sort of cool', indicating an indefinite level of coolness.

mildly cool

Expresses a slight or subtle coolness.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "like cool"?

The phrase "like cool" is suitable for informal settings such as casual conversations, text messages, or social media posts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "pretty cool" or "really cool" for enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness.

What does "like cool" mean?

In most contexts, "like cool" is used as an expression of agreement, approval, or mild enthusiasm. It implies that something is considered satisfactory or appealing but may lack the intensity of stronger terms.

Are there any regional differences in the use of "like cool"?

The usage of "like cool" may vary by region and demographic. While generally understood, its prevalence could be more pronounced in specific communities or age groups. Other regions could find that it is often replaced by "that's cool".

Is "like cool" grammatically correct?

Grammatically, "like cool" is considered informal and less precise than alternatives like "pretty cool" or "really cool". Therefore, it is advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional or academic contexts.