like to like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like to like" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing comparisons or similarities, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "In this analysis, we aim to compare like to like to ensure a fair evaluation of the products."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Theophrastus says that Alcmaeon did not explain sensation by the principle of like to like (i.e., by the likeness between the sense organ and what is perceived), a principle which was used by many early Greek thinkers (e.g., Empedocles).

SEP

But Americans like to like their president.

The New York Times

He finds all these open doors satisfying, he says, because "I like to like people.

The New Yorker

"As much as I'd like to like this, I don't": on the sorry state of the rejection letter.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gore's biggest problem is that people don't like to like him, even when they like him.

The New York Times

The same process of attraction of "like to like" occurred in the second stage, when flesh and other elements were brought together by mind in large amounts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

More to the point, perhaps, he likes to like people.

The New Yorker

He would have liked to like his duties.

The New Yorker

An ordinary person who just likes to like everyone".

The Guardian

That is a like-to-like study, and I think that is important".

The Guardian - Sport

The propeller perforator-based local flaps used in the reconstruction of relatively small loss-of-substance cases induced minor donor-site morbidity and led to good aesthetic results because of the use of like-to-like tissues.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity in comparisons, ensure the items you're comparing—whether datasets, methodologies, or products—are inherently similar. This establishes a robust, like-for-like benchmark.

Common error

Avoid comparing fundamentally dissimilar items, which can lead to skewed insights and misinterpretations. Ensure that any comparison made genuinely reflects "like to like" elements for more credible and applicable results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like to like" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression used to describe comparisons that are fair and methodologically sound. It suggests that items being compared should be similar in nature, ensuring the validity of the comparison. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is not a standard but still has uses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like to like" is used to describe fair and methodologically sound comparisons. While Ludwig AI suggests that it is not a standard phrase, it is still acceptable in various contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, ensure that comparisons using "like to like" involve fundamentally similar items to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases such as "similar to similar" and "compare apples to apples" can also be used to convey this idea, ensuring clarity and validity in your analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Similar to similar

Emphasizes the parallel nature of the items being compared.

Compare apples to apples

Highlights the importance of comparing equivalent items.

Compare like with like

Focuses on the act of comparing similar entities.

Matching items

Highlights correspondence or equivalence.

Equivalent comparison

Draws attention to the comparability of things.

Comparable elements

Directs focus on the similarity of the parts being considered.

Analogous comparison

Stresses the resemblance of the situations being likened.

Parallel comparison

Highlights how situations unfold in a similar way.

Corresponding items

Points to things being fundamentally related or equivalent.

Uniform comparison

Underscores that comparisons should be executed in the same manner.

FAQs

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

The expression "like to like" is commonly employed to denote comparisons that are equitable and methodologically sound. For example: "To ensure accuracy, the study compared "similar cases" in both groups."

What does "like to like" mean?

The phrase "like to like" suggests a comparison that ensures fairness and relevance by only considering items or situations that are fundamentally comparable. This helps in avoiding discrepancies due to irrelevant differences.

What are some alternatives to "like to like"?

Alternatives include phrases like "similar to similar", "compare apples to apples", or "uniform comparison", all of which emphasize equitable comparisons.

When should I use "like to like" in my writing?

Use the phrase "like to like" when you need to emphasize that a comparison is being made between items or datasets that are fundamentally similar and avoid comparing elements that are fundamentally different. This ensures the validity and reliability of the analysis.