like they did

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like they did" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous action or behavior that someone or a group has performed, often in a comparative context. Example: "We should approach this project with the same dedication and creativity, like they did last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sort of like they did on... "Crossfire".

The New York Times

Or, rather, like they did until recently.

The New York Times

Like they did with IDS".

The Guardian - Opinion

You know, like they did to JFK.

The Guardian

He hunts and fishes like they did.

The New York Times

They don't fight like they did.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most companies look nothing like they did 50 years ago.

The New York Times

"I'm not saying we went through anything like they did.

The New York Times

"They play compact now, like they did against Arsenal.

Independent

SELECTIVE colleges look nothing like they did 20 years ago.

The New York Times

I want to win a World Series like they did".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like they did" to draw a direct comparison between a current situation and a past action performed by a specific group. This helps create a clear and relatable point of reference for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using non-standard or grammatically incorrect variations such as 'like they done'. Stick to "like they did" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like they did" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking a current situation or action to a past one performed by a specific group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to draw parallels and provide context through comparison.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like they did" is a common and grammatically correct way to draw comparisons between current and past actions. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a comparative conjunction, predominantly used in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, it leans towards informal usage. To maintain clarity and credibility, it's crucial to avoid grammatically incorrect alternatives. By using "like they did" effectively, writers can establish relatable points of reference, enhancing comprehension and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they previously acted

Replaces 'did' with 'acted' and adds 'previously' for emphasis on the past action.

in the same manner as they acted

Emphasizes the similarity in manner of action.

similarly to their actions

Focuses on the similarity to actions taken by them.

just as they had done

Highlights the completion of the action being compared.

the way they performed

Replaces 'did' with 'performed' for a more formal tone.

comparable to their undertaking

Emphasizes the nature of the action as an undertaking.

following their example

Suggests an intentional imitation of their behavior.

matching their previous behavior

Directly refers to a behavioral comparison.

mirroring their conduct

Implies a close and possibly unconscious resemblance in behavior.

as they were accustomed to

Suggests a habitual or customary behavior.

FAQs

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

Use "like they did" to compare a current action or situation to a past action performed by a specific group. For example, "We should handle this project with the same diligence, "like they did" last year".

What are some alternatives to using "like they did"?

You can use alternatives such as "as they previously acted", "in the same manner as they acted", or "similarly to their actions" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "like they done" instead of "like they did"?

No, "like they done" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""like they did"", which uses the past tense form of the verb 'do'.

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

Both phrases are used for comparison, but ""like they did"" is more informal. "As they did" is generally considered more formal and grammatically precise in certain contexts.