like he told

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like he told" is not grammatically correct in standard written English.
It can be used informally in spoken language or casual writing, but it is better to use a more complete expression in formal contexts. Example: "I followed the plan, like he told me to do."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I get stuff you like," he told Warhol.

The New York Times

"We learned what the people like," he told me.

The New Yorker

"I wouldn't do anything you wouldn't like," he told her.

The Guardian

"I significantly underestimated what it would be like," he told me.

The New York Times

"By being here, I do what I like," he told them.

Independent

"Gambling is something that the Greens don't like," he told Guardian Australia.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"Don't just play the parts of your characters you like," he tells the cast.

Los Angeles Times

"You had to blend in, be chameleon-like", he told the guardian in an exclusive interview, "so no one would notice your private life.

The Guardian

They could come to practice whenever they liked, he told them, and would not have to travel with the team.

The New York Times - Sports

"Britain is free to take whatever decision it likes" he told the Tunisian Parliament, near the Tunisian capital of Tunis.

Independent

"The bowlers have been outstanding, but the batters have not got the runs we would have liked," he told ECB.co.uk.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace the phrase "like he told" with more grammatically sound alternatives such as "as he said" or "as he instructed" to maintain a professional tone and ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "like he told" in formal documents or professional communication. Its informal structure can undermine the credibility of your writing and make your message seem less polished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like he told" functions as an informal connector, linking a statement or action to a previous instruction or communication. Ludwig AI identifies that this usage often implies a casual or colloquial style, and according to Ludwig AI is not considered grammatically correct in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like he told" is an informal construction used to connect an action or statement to a previous communication. While Ludwig AI identifies it's usage as grammatically incorrect, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. For formal or professional writing, it's best to opt for alternatives such as "as he said" or "as he instructed" to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. This avoids the grammatical issues noted by Ludwig AI, improving the overall quality and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as he mentioned

Replaces "like" with "as", offering a more formal tone and emphasizing the act of mentioning something.

as he said

Directly replaces "told" with "said", focusing on the act of speaking or stating something.

according to him

Shifts the focus to attributing the information or instruction directly to the person.

in his words

Highlights that the information or instruction is being conveyed using the original speaker's language.

as he instructed

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the information, suggesting it was given as a directive or command.

following his advice

Implies that the information being acted upon is in the form of guidance or recommendations.

as he explained

Focuses on the informative aspect of the communication, suggesting a detailed description or clarification was provided.

he advised that

Presents the information or action as a recommendation or suggestion.

his instructions were

Highlights the directive nature of the communication, emphasizing compliance or adherence to specific guidelines.

he communicated

Offers a more general way to indicate that information was shared, without specifying the exact nature of the communication.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "like he told" that maintain a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives such as "as he mentioned", "as he said", or "according to him", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "like he told" grammatically correct?

No, "like he told" is not grammatically correct in formal written English. It is more appropriate to use phrases such as "as he said" or "as he instructed".

When is it appropriate to use "like he told"?

The phrase "like he told" is best suited for informal conversation or casual writing, where strict grammatical accuracy is not a primary concern.

How can I improve the clarity of my writing when using phrases similar to "like he told"?

To enhance clarity, use more explicit and grammatically correct alternatives such as "as he explained" or "as he instructed" to ensure your message is easily understood.