like really

USAGE SUMMARY

"like really" is commonly used in spoken and informal written English.
It can be used to emphasize the intensity or sincerity of a statement. Example: "I know you said you didn't want to come, but like really, you have to be there. It's going to be so much fun!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I mean, like, really.

The New York Times

Whatever I like, really.

Forbes

I'm like, 'Really?

Independent

Like really a lot.

Independent

And I'm like: 'really?

BBC

Like, really really?

Independent

They were like: "Really?

The New York Times

We were like, "Really?

The New York Times - Arts

Like really dangerous".

The New Yorker

"And she's like: 'Really?

The New York Times

Like, really late.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like really" to add emphasis or express surprise in informal settings. Avoid it in formal writing where a more direct intensifier would be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "like really" in professional or academic contexts. Opt for more precise language such as "truly", "genuinely", or "actually" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

Intensification and Interjection: "Like really" functions primarily as an intensifier, adding emphasis to a statement. It can also serve as an interjection expressing surprise or disbelief. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to emphasize a need or to question something incredulous.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like really" is a versatile phrase predominantly used in informal contexts to add emphasis, express surprise, or seek confirmation. Ludwig AI affirms its common usage, particularly in spoken English and less formal writing. While grammatically sound, its informality makes it unsuitable for professional or academic settings. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "truly" or "genuinely" to maintain an appropriate tone. The frequent occurrence in News & Media highlights its conversational nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really though

Adds a touch of insistence, working to highlight the actuality of an event and very similar to "like really".

seriously

Expresses the gravity of a situation, mirroring the emphasis conveyed by "like really".

are you serious

Questions the speaker's sincerity, much like a disbelieving use of "like really".

truly

Emphasizes the veracity of a statement, similar to "like really" but more direct.

do you really mean it

Focuses on the speaker's intentions, a more pointed version of seeking affirmation with "like really".

genuinely

This single word emphasizes truthfulness, replacing the conversational "like really" for a more formal context.

actually

Highlights factual correctness, offering a confirmation-seeking tone equivalent to some uses of "like really".

is that so

Indicates surprise or disbelief, similar to one function of "like really".

indeed

Affirms a statement, providing a more formal alternative to "like really" for confirmation.

in truth

Introduces a statement as factual, replacing the conversational filler with a more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "like really" to express surprise, seek confirmation, or add emphasis. For example, "You expect me to believe that? Like really?" or "I like, really need your help with this project."

What are some alternatives to "like really"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "seriously", "actually", "truly", or "genuinely". The best choice depends on whether you want to express disbelief, add emphasis, or seek confirmation.

Is it grammatically correct to use "like really"?

While "like really" is commonly used in spoken English and informal writing, it is considered less appropriate for formal writing. In formal contexts, it is better to use more precise and direct language.

When is it appropriate to use "like really"?

Use "like really" in informal conversations, casual writing, or when you want to convey a sense of surprise or strong emphasis. Avoid using it in professional emails, academic papers, or other formal settings where clear and direct language is preferred.