like you know

USAGE SUMMARY

"like you know" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used either to draw attention to the fact that something is common knowledge, or to draw attention to an idea being presented. Example: If you want to be successful in business, like you know, you have to be willing to make sacrifices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People" like, you know, scientists?

The Guardian

So it's just like: You know what?

The New York Times

Kind of like, you know, Mahler.

The New Yorker

And it's like, You know what?

The New York Times - Magazine

Everybody seems to like, you know, classic cars.

The New Yorker

Sort of like, you know, now.

Los Angeles Times

They're just like, "You know what?

Vice

Like, you know, renting.

The New York Times

Like, you know, the tennis.

The New York Times - Sports

It's like: You know what?

The New York Times - Arts

"People are now like, You know what?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like you know" sparingly in formal writing. It's best suited for conversational contexts where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "like you know" excessively, as it can make your speech sound hesitant or uncertain. Instead, try to convey your meaning more directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like you know" primarily functions as a discourse marker. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to draw attention to shared knowledge or an idea being presented. It serves to connect with the listener by assuming a common understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like you know" functions as a discourse marker used to signal shared understanding or common knowledge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct phrase, although its informality makes it more suitable for conversational contexts than formal writing. The phrase is very common, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When writing, use it sparingly to avoid sounding hesitant or overly casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

y'know

An informal contraction of "you know", used in casual conversation as a filler.

as you know

Emphasizes shared knowledge between the speaker and listener, similar to "like you know" but more direct.

you know

A more concise version of the phrase, often used as a filler or to seek agreement.

if you know what I mean

Adds a layer of implication, suggesting a meaning beyond the surface level.

if you catch my drift

Similar to "if you know what I mean", indicating a subtle or indirect message.

as I'm sure you're aware

Highlights the speaker's belief that the listener is informed about a topic.

you see

Introduces an explanation or clarification, assuming the listener needs context.

I mean

Often used to elaborate on a previous statement or to soften a potentially controversial idea.

I presume you're familiar

Formally suggests the listener has knowledge on a specific subject.

surely you understand

Emphasizes speaker's expectation of listener's comprehension, often when presenting something obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "like you know" in a sentence?

"Like you know" is typically used as a discourse marker to indicate shared knowledge or understanding. For example: "It's really expensive to live in New York, "as you know"."

What are some alternatives to "like you know"?

Some alternatives to "like you know" include ""as you know"", "you know", or "if you know what I mean", depending on the context.

Is "like you know" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "like you know" is generally considered informal and is best reserved for conversational or less formal contexts. Use more direct language in formal writing.

What's the difference between "like you know" and "you know"?

"Like you know" and "you know" are similar, but "like you know" can sometimes imply a stronger assumption of shared understanding, while "you know" is often used as a simple filler or to seek confirmation.