like many

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like many" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing or contrasting an idea or description to many other ideas or descriptions. For example: "Like many new graduates, she was eager to start her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

LIKE many Americans, I'm a white person.

The New York Times

He's like many men.

The New Yorker

Like many analysts, he underestimated Cam Newton.

The New York Times

Like many other poor districts, Ilion retrenched.

The New York Times

Like many artists, he loved a row.

The New Yorker

I, like many others, have become perplexed.

The New York Times

I like many of his changes.

The Economist

Like many politicians, Obama is paradoxical.

The New Yorker

Like many Americans today, I am underemployed.

The New York Times

Like many, I have disappointments with Obama.

The New York Times

Like many smaller clubs we lack depth.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like many" to introduce a common characteristic or experience, setting the stage for a more specific or nuanced point.

Common error

Avoid using "like many" without providing specific examples or context. Vague comparisons can weaken your writing and leave the reader confused. Be specific about what the subject shares with "many" others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like many" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a comparison or similarity between a subject and a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it setting a context before introducing a specific detail or observation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like many" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons and establish commonalities across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing, indicating its broad applicability. When using "like many", ensure clarity and relevance in your comparisons, avoiding vague generalizations. For alternative phrasing, consider "similarly to many" or "in common with many" to achieve similar effects. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "like many" into your writing to create relatable and informative content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like numerous

Replaces "many" with "numerous", keeping the meaning nearly identical but changing the word choice.

similarly to many

This alternative is a more formal way to indicate resemblance, emphasizing the parallel nature of the comparison.

similar to a lot of

This is a more informal alternative, replacing "many" with "a lot of" for a casual tone.

in common with many

This phrase highlights shared characteristics or experiences among a group.

in the same way as many

This phrase provides a slightly more elaborate way to draw a comparison, emphasizing the shared manner or method.

as with many

This is a concise way to draw a parallel, often used to introduce a comparison.

akin to many

This implies a close resemblance or similarity, often used in more formal contexts.

typical of many

This suggests that something is representative or characteristic of a larger group.

in line with many

Suggests alignment or agreement with the practices or opinions of a larger group.

consistent with many

This indicates that something aligns or agrees with what is observed in many instances.

FAQs

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

Use "like many" to introduce a characteristic or behavior that is common among a group. For example, "Like many students, he struggled with time management."

What are some alternatives to "like many"?

You can use alternatives such as "similarly to many", "in common with many", or "as with many" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as many" instead of "like many"?

While "as many" is grammatically correct, it is used in different contexts, usually to express quantity or number rather than similarity. "Like many" is more appropriate for drawing comparisons.

What's the difference between "like many" and "unlike many"?

"Like many" indicates similarity or commonality, while "unlike many" indicates a contrast or difference. For example, "Like many people, she enjoys coffee," versus "Unlike many people, she dislikes coffee."