like for like

USAGE SUMMARY

'like for like' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a comparison or exchange between two things which are similar or the same. For example: "We decided to offer a like for like exchange on the faulty product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

What's not to like for like?

The Times

Like for like sales in Ireland were down by 3%.

The Guardian - Business

Like for like - well in terms of position.

BBC

Maybe a like for like comparison is needed.

The Guardian - Sport

The notion of a "like for like" replacement is bogus.

The Guardian

It's not a like for like comparison.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It's not like-for-like.

Independent

Not so much like-for-like, then.

The Guardian - Business

It must be like-for-like.

The Guardian

They are virtually like-for-like".

The Guardian - Sport

"Immigrants are not like-for-like substitutes.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sports commentary, use "like for like" to describe player substitutions that maintain the team's formation and strategy, making it clear that the replacement fills a similar role.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "like for like" replacement means a perfect equivalence. While the replacement is similar, it may not be identical in skill, experience, or impact. Acknowledge potential differences for a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like for like" primarily functions as an adjective or adverbial phrase, often modifying nouns like 'sales', 'replacements', or 'comparisons'. It describes a direct equivalence or similarity between two items or situations, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like for like" is grammatically correct and commonly used to denote a fair comparison or direct equivalence, as confirmed by Ludwig. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, followed by Science and Formal & Business contexts. While "like for like" is generally neutral in register, its tone can shift to professional in business settings. When using "like for like", ensure genuine comparability between items and avoid misinterpreting it as perfect equivalence. Related phrases include "equivalent" and "comparable".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent

Expresses a state of being equal or virtually identical.

identical

Implies exact sameness or close resemblance.

matching

Suggests a correspondence or similarity in attributes.

interchangeable

Indicates that items can be used in place of each other without altering the outcome.

comparable

Highlights that two things are similar enough to be compared.

analogous

Points out a similarity between otherwise dissimilar things.

corresponding

Implies a direct relationship or parallel.

of the same kind

Denotes belonging to the same category or type.

in the same category

Highlights membership in the same classification.

of equal standing

Expresses similarity in status or position.

FAQs

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

You can use "like for like" to describe comparisons or substitutions. For example, "The manager made a "like for like" substitution, replacing the injured midfielder with another of similar skill".

What does "like for like" mean in the context of retail sales?

In retail, "like for like" sales compare the sales of stores that have been open for the same period, excluding the impact of new store openings or closures, providing a more accurate measure of performance.

Which is correct, "like for like" or "as like for like"?

"Like for like" is the correct and commonly used form. "As like for like" is not standard English and should be avoided.

What's an alternative to saying "like for like"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "equivalent", "comparable", or "interchangeable".