like they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like they" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in informal speech or writing to compare or relate to a group of people or things. Example: "I enjoy outdoor activities, like they do in the summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Like, they love karaoke.

The New York Times

It sounds like they are.

The New York Times

Like they deserve the ball.

The New York Times

"Not like they do now".

The New York Times

Like they were never there".

The New York Times

"Sounds like they caught him".

The New Yorker

We feel like they are.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Like they were on vacation".

The New York Times

Not like they used to.

The New York Times - Magazine

Just like they are now.

The New York Times

"Like they said".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like they" to draw comparisons or illustrate similarities between actions, states, or characteristics of different subjects. Ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "like they" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the reader knows exactly who or what "they" refers to, to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like they" functions as a comparative connector, linking a subject to a group, indicating similarity in action, state, or characteristic. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in everyday language for making comparisons. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like they" serves as a common comparative connector, predominantly used to draw parallels between subjects—whether in action, state, or shared characteristics. Ludwig examples across diverse sources underscore its versatility and natural integration into everyday language. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its register leans towards neutral to informal contexts, favoring alternatives such as "as they do" in more formal or scientific writing. Its widespread presence in news, media, scientific, and wiki contexts confirms its mainstream acceptance and utility in facilitating clear, relatable comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they do

Replaces "like" with "as", maintaining a direct comparison of actions or states.

just as they

Highlights an exact parallel or correspondence in action or condition.

the way they

Emphasizes a manner or method similar to how "they" perform something.

in the same manner as they

A more formal way of expressing similarity in action or state.

similar to how they

Explicitly states similarity in method or style.

in a similar fashion to them

Suggests a parallel in the approach or execution, adding formality.

as if they

Implies a hypothetical comparison or resemblance.

resembling their

Focuses on a shared attribute or characteristic.

equivalent to their

States that the two items being compared are the same in value or meaning

according to them

Indicates something is true, following what "they" stated

FAQs

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

You can use "like they" to compare actions or states. For example, "She sings "like they" do on the radio" shows a comparison in singing style.

What are some alternatives to "like they"?

Alternatives include "as they do", "the way they", or "just as they". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it always appropriate to use "like" instead of "as" in comparisons?

While "like" is commonly used for comparisons, some may consider "as" more grammatically formal, especially in writing. However, in informal speech and many contemporary writing styles, "like" is widely accepted. To sound more formal it is recommended to use "as they do".

What's the difference between "like they" and "as if they"?

"Like they" is used for direct comparisons, while "as if they" introduces a hypothetical or unreal comparison. For example, "He acted "as if they" were invisible" suggests he behaved as though they were not there, which is different from saying "He acts "like they" do", indicating a mimicry of their actions.