like flu

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The phrase "like flu" is not technically correct in written English, but it is often used in informal spoken English.
For example, you can say "He gave it to me like flu." This phrase is usually used to emphasize the quickness and ease with which something is done.

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

As a 2001 Academy of Management Executive article put it, if a group has no way to punish free riders, "social loafing spreads among team members like flu".

The Economist

"The last three or four days, I've been coughing, aches and pains in my shoulders -- kind of like flu symptoms without the flu part," Pakucko said of the symptoms he attributes to breathing air tainted with the gas.

Huffington Post

It was already known that Sars was relatively difficult to catch – not like flu at all.

Independent

Some illnesses, like flu, left too few traces in the blood.

The New York Times - Health

Tests for common infections like flu and strep throat may also be done.

The New York Times

Most fee-for-service plans don't cover preventive care like flu shots or mental health services.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Finally, HIV-specific T cells secreted IFN-γ and TNF-α, but not the dual combination like FLU- and EBV-specific T cells.

Vaccine

Then I feel sick, like flu-sick.

Vice

The experiments show that a 1918-like flu virus could emerge in the wild as bird viruses swap genes and mutate.

The Guardian

If they are worried about a 1918-like flu, they want a universal vaccine to protect against it, and they wonder what makes these bird flus so impervious?

The New York Times - Science

By humanizing the M2e-binding scFv, we generated human-like FLU BiTE® antibody constructs, with increased in vitro cytotoxic activity and in vivo protective capacity against influenza A virus infection.

Antiviral Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the spread of an idea or behavior, use "like flu" to emphasize its rapid and contagious nature. For example, "The trend spread through the office like flu."

Common error

Avoid using "like flu" in formal writing or professional settings, as it may be considered too informal. Opt for phrases such as "similar to influenza" or "resembling flu symptoms" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like flu" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something occurs, often emphasizing rapid or contagious spread. Ludwig AI suggests it's often used in informal spoken English, emphasizing quickness and ease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like flu" functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily used to illustrate rapid spread or symptom similarity. While commonly used, as Ludwig AI notes, it is generally considered informal, making it more suitable for news articles and general discussions than formal or scientific writing. More formal alternatives, such as "similar to the flu" or "resembling flu symptoms", may be more appropriate in those contexts. "Like flu" is found most frequently in "News & Media" and "Science" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flu-like

Uses the adjective "flu-like" to directly describe something that resembles the flu.

similar to the flu

Replaces the preposition "like" with a more formal adjective, resulting in a grammatically standard construction.

resembling flu symptoms

Emphasizes the similarity in symptoms, which is a common usage of the original phrase.

with flu-like symptoms

Highlights the presence of symptoms that are characteristic of the flu.

as common as the flu

Focuses on the widespread nature of something, drawing a parallel to the flu's common occurrence.

mimicking the flu

Suggests that something imitates or mirrors the effects or symptoms of the flu.

typical of the flu

Indicates that something is commonly observed or expected in cases of the flu.

akin to influenza

Uses a more formal term for the flu ("influenza") and a synonym for "like" ("akin to"), resulting in a more elevated tone.

characteristic of the flu

Highlights that certain features are typically associated with the flu.

as contagious as the flu

Specifically addresses the contagious nature of something, comparing it to the flu's contagiousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "like flu" to describe something that spreads quickly or has symptoms similar to the flu. For example, "The rumour spread through the school "like flu"".

What can I say instead of "like flu" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider using phrases such as "similar to the flu", "resembling flu symptoms", or "akin to influenza".

Is it grammatically correct to say "like flu"?

While commonly used, "like flu" is considered informal. More grammatically correct alternatives include phrases that use adjectives or comparative structures, such as "flu-like" or "similar to the flu".

What is the difference between "like flu" and "flu-like"?

"Like flu" is a prepositional phrase that often describes the manner in which something spreads or feels. "Flu-like" is an adjective that directly describes something exhibiting characteristics of the flu. For example, "Her symptoms were flu-like" versus "The panic spread "like flu"".