like last time

USAGE SUMMARY

"like last time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that happened on a previous occasion. For example: "Let's meet at the same cafe like last time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Central bankers past and present sought last week to allay fears that, just like last time, it would all end in tears.

The Guardian - Business

I've had 2 months to prepare, not 20, like last time, which means I'm almost guaranteed to run slower than last year.

The New York Times

"Not an artificial one like last time".

The New York Times

The food, like last time, is delicious.

The New York Times - Travel

No proper debate like last time".

The Guardian

Like last time there was impressive attention to detail.

Independent

Like last time, the crowd was incredibly diverse.

The New Yorker

Britain's 1975 Europe referendum: what was it like last time?

The Guardian

I did my day or two filming, like last time.

The Guardian

But not a blank check like last time".

The New York Times

And then, just like last time, Barcelona started to play.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify the event instead of relying solely on "last time". For example, "like at the previous meeting" provides more context.

Common error

Avoid using "like last time" if the 'last time' isn't immediately obvious to your audience. This can lead to confusion and require clarification. Instead, specify what you're comparing to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like last time" functions as a prepositional phrase used adverbially. It modifies a verb or clause by providing a comparison to a previous event or state. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like last time" is a grammatically correct and highly frequent expression used to draw comparisons to previous occurrences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It serves the purpose of relating present situations to past experiences, providing context and implying similarities. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. While its usage is widespread, ensure the reference to 'last time' is clear to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "as before" or "previously" depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the same as last time

This alternative emphasizes the sameness between the current and past events.

as before

This alternative is more concise and direct, suitable when the context is already established.

previously

This alternative is a simple adverb indicating a past event.

in the past

This alternative emphasizes the past nature of the event being referenced.

as happened before

This alternative adds slight emphasis to the event actually occurring.

similarly to before

This alternative highlights the similarity in the current situation compared to the previous one.

again

This alternative is a single word replacement, use when the context is very obvious.

resembling the last instance

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the resemblance of the current situation to the previous one.

following the previous pattern

This alternative focuses on the continuation of an established pattern.

echoing the prior event

This alternative is more evocative, suggesting that the current situation is reminiscent of the past.

FAQs

How can I use "like last time" in a sentence?

You can use "like last time" to compare a current situation to a previous one. For example, "The presentation went smoothly, "like last time" we rehearsed it thoroughly."

What's a more formal way to say "like last time"?

More formal alternatives include "as before", "previously", or "similarly to before". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as last time" instead of "like last time"?

While understandable, "as last time" is less common and can sound awkward. "Like last time" is generally preferred for its natural and idiomatic usage.

How does "like last time" differ from "the last time"?

"Like last time" makes a comparison, while "the last time" refers to a specific occurrence. For example, "Like last time, the event was well-organized" (comparison), versus "The last time I saw him, he was happy" (specific instance).