like glass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like glass" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is smooth, clear, or fragile. An example is: "The surface of the lake was as still as glass." Alternative expressions include "smooth as glass" and "clear as glass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I like glass," he said.

The New York Times

"I like glass because I hate guesswork," he said.

The New York Times - Food

(The method works best on smooth surfaces, like glass).

The New Yorker

"They become vitrified, which means they become like glass".

The New York Times

Some songs are like glass figurines.

Huffington Post

Glass should feel like glass.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Lose the wasp-wing-like glass scissors doors, say.

The New York Times

They wanted to wrap it in a piece of crystal-like glass.

The New Yorker

Van Alen's original design for the skyscraper called for a decorative jewel-like glass crown.

Wikipedia

Occasionally there were modern touches, like glass-block windows.

The New York Times

But once we figure out the answer, let's not settle for halfway measures like Glass-Steagall.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase to describe emotions or relationships, pair it with verbs like "shatter" or "crack" to emphasize fragility.

Common error

While "like glass" is a powerful simile, overusing it in a single piece of writing for every smooth or clear object can make the prose feel repetitive. Consider using more specific adjectives like "polished" or "still" to vary your vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like glass" primarily functions as a simile, serving as an adjectival or adverbial modifier. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it compares the qualities of an object—such as its smoothness, transparency, or fragility—to the physical properties of glass. It can also appear as a proper noun reference in tech contexts (e.g., Google Glass).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like glass" is a highly effective and versatile simile used across a wide spectrum of English writing. Ludwig AI data reveals its frequent appearance in prestigious publications like The New York Times and The New Yorker, where it often describes physical surfaces or psychological states. In scientific literature, it takes on a more technical role, describing the structural behavior of minerals and biological samples. While commonly used to denote stillness or transparency, writers should be mindful of its dual use as a proper noun in technology discussions. Overall, it remains a Correct and Very common linguistic tool for creating evocative comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smooth as glass

Increases the focus on tactile or visual texture, often used for water surfaces.

crystal clear

Emphasizes transparency and perfect visibility rather than physical texture.

fragile as glass

Specifically targets the vulnerability or delicate nature of an object or emotion.

mirror-like

Refers specifically to the reflective properties of a surface.

vitreous

A formal or scientific term meaning glass-like in appearance or structure.

transparent

A more literal, descriptive adjective focusing on the ability to see through something.

brittle

Focuses on the tendency to shatter or break easily without bending.

crystalline

Suggests a structured, clear, and high-quality mineral appearance.

pellucid

A literary term for translucently clear, often applied to water or air.

sheer

Describes thinness and transparency, typically used for fabrics.

FAQs

How to use "like glass" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe physical surfaces or abstract concepts, for example: "The lake was as still "like glass" during the sunrise" or "Her confidence was fragile "like glass"."

What is the difference between "like glass" and "smooth as glass"?

While both describe texture, "smooth as glass" is a more common idiomatic expression specifically for physical touch or surface stillness, whereas "like glass" is broader and can refer to transparency, fragility, or chemical structure.

Can "like glass" be used in scientific writing?

Yes, it is often used to describe fracture patterns or transparency, as seen in "science" journals when discussing materials that behave in a "vitreous" manner.

What can I say instead of "like glass" for clarity?

Depending on the context, you might use "crystal clear" for visibility or "diaphanous" for thin, light-transmitting materials.