like outside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like outside" is not standard or widely recognized in written English.
It may be used informally in conversation to compare something to the outdoors or to describe a feeling of being outside. Example: "The weather today feels so refreshing, like outside on a perfect spring day."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Just like everybody, we all have something that we like outside of what we do," Wade said.

The New York Times - Sports

Most of us are pretty thoughtful about the way we raise our children, and we don't like outside interference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Make a plan with someone you like outside of your routine setting.

Huffington Post

Campaigns like to control the narrative, and don't like outside intrusion in their story lines.

Huffington Post

It's still a bit frostier than we'd like outside, but Coyu is bringing the heat.

Vice

"They don't really like outside organizations meddling in their affairs -- and maybe the NRA gets a pass on that -- but probably not a bad idea".

Huffington Post

"What's the weather like outside?" I asked.

The Guardian - Tech

That's what magazines like Outside are promoting.

The New Yorker

What must the world be like outside those windows?

The New Yorker

We don't know what it would be like outside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Can that be a good idea, considering most successful outside-halves play like outside-halves?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a feeling, instead of saying something feels "like outside", use sensory details such as "fresh air" or "sun-kissed" to create a vivid picture and enhance the reader's experience.

Common error

Avoid using "like outside" to directly compare the state of something to the outdoors. A clearer construction would specify what aspect is being compared. For instance, instead of saying "It smells like outside", specify "It smells like fresh grass and rain."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like outside" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, attempting to draw a comparison between a subject and the external environment. However, as pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically incorrect and non-standard in formal English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like outside" is a prepositional phrase used to draw comparisons with the external environment, often aiming to describe a sensation or condition reminiscent of being outdoors. However, as Ludwig AI emphasizes, the phrase is grammatically incorrect and considered non-standard in formal English. Its usage is more appropriate in informal contexts. When writing formally, you should opt for alternatives such as "similar to being outdoors" or "resembling outdoor conditions" to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness. While the phrase does appear in a variety of sources, according to Ludwig, the best practice is to avoid the usage and to lean into more precise sensory descriptions to help your readers understand the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to outdoors

This alternative uses a more standard preposition to convey similarity to the outdoors.

like being in nature

This alternative suggests that something is comparable to experiencing nature directly.

resembling outdoor conditions

This alternative focuses on the resemblance of the subject to the atmospheric conditions outside.

akin to the external environment

This phrase provides a formal way to relate something to conditions present externally.

as if in open air

This option emphasizes the feeling of being in an open, outdoor space.

comparable to an outdoor setting

This phrase explicitly draws a comparison to a scene or place outdoors.

as though exposed to the elements

This alternative implies exposure to weather and external forces.

matching the outside atmosphere

This option highlights the alignment with the environmental conditions outside.

reflecting the exterior ambiance

This suggests that the interior reflects the atmospheric quality of the outside.

in the style of outdoor living

This describes something that imitates or is designed for outdoor lifestyles.

FAQs

How can I use more formal alternatives to "like outside" in academic writing?

In academic contexts, replace "like outside" with phrases such as "similar to outdoor conditions" or "resembling the external environment" for clarity and precision. These alternatives provide a grammatically sound and professional tone.

What are some creative ways to describe a feeling "like outside" without using the phrase directly?

You can evoke the feeling of being outdoors by focusing on sensory details. Describe the crispness of the air, the warmth of the sun, or the scent of blooming flowers. This creates a more immersive experience for the reader.

Is it ever appropriate to use "like outside" in writing?

While "like outside" may be acceptable in informal conversation, it's generally best to avoid it in formal writing. Use more precise and grammatically correct phrases like "similar to being outdoors" or "reminiscent of the outside" depending on the context.

How does the phrase "like outside" compare to "outdoor" or "outdoors"?

"Outdoor" and "outdoors" are adjectives and adverbs, respectively, describing things that relate to the open air or external environment. "Like outside" attempts to draw a comparison but lacks the grammatical correctness of these established terms.