like so

USAGE SUMMARY

"like so" is an acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to emphasize the way in which you've explained something. For example, "I rearranged the seating chart like so, and everyone was happy with the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You're like so giggly".

The Economist

It's just really like so obsolete.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm like, 'So seriously, what's the deal?

The New York Times

"If they lose, it's like, 'So what?

The New York Times - Sports

Dave was like, so sue me :(.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm like, so what?

TechCrunch

It's like, so meta, dudes.

Huffington Post

Be like, "So, I have a question..."....

WikiHow

"They're, like, so annoying".

The New Yorker

"I'm, like, so nervous.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What? "You sound like so-and-so".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like so" to provide a clear and concise way to demonstrate or illustrate a point, especially in instructional or descriptive contexts. It is often followed by a visual example or further explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "like so" excessively in formal academic or business writing. While acceptable, overuse can make the writing sound less professional. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "in this manner" or "as follows".

Linguistic Context

"Like so" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically used to illustrate or demonstrate how something is done. As Ludwig AI highlights, it helps in providing a visual or descriptive example to clarify a point. For instance, "Fold it back on itself, like so." shows a clear usage in instructions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

33%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like so" is an adverbial phrase mainly used to illustrate or demonstrate a point, often found in informal contexts such as news media and wikis. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI indicates, it's better to use more formal alternatives like "in this manner" or "as follows" in academic or business writing. The phrase effectively clarifies instructions or explanations by providing a concrete example. Although not very frequent, understanding its appropriate usage can add clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like this

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal.

in this way

A more general way to indicate a method or process.

in this manner

Emphasizes the way something is done, often used in formal contexts.

in the following way

More descriptive and formal version of "in this way".

similarly

Highlights the similarity between two actions or states.

as follows

Introduces a list or explanation of something.

by doing this

Emphasizes the action leading to a result.

thusly

A slightly archaic or humorous way to say "thus" or "in this way".

to this effect

Indicates something done to achieve a particular result.

so

A very concise way to indicate a similar action or state.

FAQs

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

"Like so" is used to demonstrate or illustrate a point. For example, you might say, "Fold the paper like so," while showing how to fold it. It is often used when giving instructions or explaining a process.

What is a more formal alternative to "like so"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using phrases such as "in this manner", "as follows", or "in this way". These options are suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it correct to say "like so" in academic writing?

While "like so" is grammatically correct, it tends to be more informal. For academic writing, it's generally better to use more formal alternatives such as "in this manner" or "as follows" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "like this" and "like so"?

The phrases "like this" and "like so" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Like this" might be considered slightly more common in everyday speech, while "like so" can add a touch more formality, though both are generally informal.