like something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to make comparisons or to express similarity. Example: "She sings like something out of a dream." Alternative expressions include "similar to" and "resembling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I would like something interesting but quiet.

The New York Times

Don't like something?

Duke University

Would you like something?

HuffPost

Did you like something?

WikiHow

You might like something.

WikiHow

Do you like something specific about it??

WikiHow

People like something different.

The New York Times

"They taste like something".

The New York Times

"Like something got chased.

The New Yorker

It's like something by Dalí.

The New York Times - Arts

Everything looked like something else.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like something" to draw a comparison that helps your audience understand a concept or image more vividly. For example, "The music sounded like something from a dream sequence."

Common error

Avoid using "like something" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated comparisons such as "reminiscent of" or "akin to" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like something" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used for making comparisons. It helps to describe something by relating it to another thing, idea, or experience. Ludwig examples show its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like something" is a versatile prepositional phrase used for making comparisons across various contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used, though more suited to neutral and informal settings. While authoritative sources like The New York Times employ it, more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic or business writing. Remembering this distinction will improve the clarity and appropriateness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much like something

Adds emphasis to the similarity being expressed.

similar to something

Uses the explicit adjective "similar" for direct comparison.

bears resemblance to something

Highlights the visual or apparent similarity.

mirrors something

Implies a direct and close reflection or similarity.

reminiscent of something

Changes the preposition and uses a more formal adjective to indicate resemblance.

along the lines of something

Indicates a general similarity or approximation.

comparable to something

Indicates that a comparison can be made, implying resemblance.

akin to something

Employs a different adjective suggesting similarity or relatedness.

in the same vein as something

Suggests that something follows the same style or manner as something else.

of a kind with something

A more formal way of saying that something is similar to something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "like something" to make a comparison or describe a resemblance. For instance, "The room smelled "like something burning"" or "The texture felt "like something soft"".

What are some alternatives to "like something"?

Alternatives include "similar to", "reminiscent of", "akin to", or "comparable to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "like something"?

Yes, "like something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It serves as a prepositional phrase to introduce a comparison.

What's the difference between "like something" and "as something"?

"Like something" is used to make a comparison, while "as something" indicates a role or function. For example, "He acted "like something crazy"" (comparison) versus "He worked "as a chef"" (role).