like we did before

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like we did before" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a previous action or behavior that is being suggested to be repeated. Example: "Let's approach this project like we did before, as it proved to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Just like we did before".

The New York Times

"If they don't listen, we could fight like we did before, with bows and arrows.

The Guardian

"We have to be resilient, keep our chins up, like we did before".

The Guardian

"We cannot handwrite rare characters on the cards like we did before," The China Daily quoted Bao Suixian, a ministry official, as saying.

The New York Times

"We are not simply thinking mechanically, maybe like we did before, about the number of carriers, warheads and so on," he said.

The New York Times

In "Forgetful Heart" he asks, almost getting his hopes up, "Why can't we love like we did before?" Then he answers his question: "The door has closed forevermore/if indeed there ever was a door".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If she liked what we did before, she should clearly like what we're doing here, which is very much in keeping with our constitutional principles: limited government, economic freedom, balancing the budget, creating jobs".

Huffington Post

You have to see the world like we do before you can call yourself one of us.

Huffington Post

"I like what we did before we got here, and I like what we did here that could build up to something".

The New York Times

"We applied pressure and we held the lead like we never did before," said Jolley, who neutralized Ante Razov, Chicago's central striker, who scored Chicago's final goal in Game 1. Chung's first goal in the playoffs, with five minutes remaining in the first half, was all the MetroStars needed.

The New York Times - Sports

"The difference," Simon says, "is that we have conversations about it now, like we didn't before.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "like we did before", ensure the context of the previous action is clear to your audience to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "like we did before" if your audience isn't familiar with the past action. Provide a brief explanation to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase. The phrase "like we did before" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that an action should be carried out in the same way as a previous one, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like we did before" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a past action or strategy and suggest its repetition. Ludwig's analysis, combined with numerous examples from reputable sources, shows its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to ensure the audience understands the prior action to avoid ambiguity and to adjust the phrasing for highly formal settings. Alternatives like "as we have previously" can provide a more formal tone, while "like before" offers a simpler alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like before

A shorter, more casual version of the original phrase.

as we have previously

More formal and concise, omitting the explicit action but implying a previous occurrence.

similarly to what we did earlier

Highlights the similarity to a specific past action.

repeating our earlier approach

Directly states the act of repetition, focusing on a specific approach.

as we used to

Implies a habitual action in the past, slightly more casual.

in the manner of our past actions

Emphasizes the method or style of previous actions.

following our previous procedure

Highlights a formal, established method.

reiterating our historical behavior

Focuses on the act of repeating a pattern of behavior.

in accordance with precedent

A formal way of indicating alignment with established practices.

as was our prior custom

Emphasizes the habitual or customary nature of the previous action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "like we did before" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "as we have previously", "following our previous procedure", or "in accordance with precedent".

What is a simpler way to say "like we did before"?

A simpler alternative is "like before", which is more casual and direct.

Is "like we did before" grammatically correct?

Yes, "like we did before" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, as shown by Ludwig.

When should I avoid using "like we did before"?

Avoid using "like we did before" when the context of the previous action isn't clear to your audience or in very formal writing where more precise language is preferred.