like that

USAGE SUMMARY

"like that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an example or to express similarity, among other uses. For example, "I want to be successful, just like that".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He doesn't like that.

The New Yorker

He'd probably like that.

The Economist

I really like that".

The New York Times

Mothers don't like that.

WikiHow

They won't like that.

The Economist

"I like that aggressiveness.

The New Yorker

Mae will like that.

The New Yorker

I like that one".

The New York Times - Health

Poor countries like that.

The Economist

"Tricks like that".

Independent

Banks don't like that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like that" to refer back to a previously mentioned action or description, ensuring clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "like that" excessively in formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives such as "in that manner" or "similarly" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like that" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which something is done or the way something is. It often indicates a similarity to a previous action or description, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like that" functions as an adverbial phrase used to refer back to a previously mentioned action or description. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and indicates that its usage is very common, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While acceptable in many situations, remember to favor more formal alternatives such as "in that manner" in professional or academic writing. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "like that" to enhance your writing. This guide helps you avoid overuse in formal writing and choose the best alternatives to ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in that way

Focuses on the manner or method of doing something, similar to emphasizing a particular style or action.

in that manner

Emphasizes formality and precision in how something is done, akin to specifying a detailed procedure.

that way

A more concise alternative, pointing to a specific method or approach already mentioned or understood.

in such a way

Highlights the specific manner in which an action is performed or a situation unfolds.

similarly

Draws a direct comparison, indicating that something is done or happens in a comparable way.

along those lines

Indicates a general direction or approach that is similar but not necessarily identical.

after that fashion

An older, more formal way of saying "like that," emphasizing a particular style or custom.

that sort of thing

Implies a range of similar actions or items, rather than a specific one.

of that nature

Refers to the qualities or characteristics of something previously discussed.

by those means

Specifies a particular method or set of actions used to achieve something.

FAQs

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

You can use "like that" to refer to a previously mentioned action, situation, or quality. For example, "He solved the problem just "like that"", indicating the problem was solved quickly or easily.

What are some alternatives to using "like that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "in that way", "in that manner", or "similarly".

Is it appropriate to use "like that" in formal writing?

While "like that" is acceptable in informal contexts, it is generally better to use more formal alternatives such as "in such a way" or "in that manner" in formal writing to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "like that" and "that way"?

"Like that" is often used to refer to a specific action or manner, while "that way" can refer more broadly to a method or approach. For example, "He did it "like that"" specifies how something was done, whereas "Do it "that way"" instructs a general method.