little like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little like" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It can be used informally to suggest a small resemblance or similarity to something else, but it is better to use more conventional expressions. Example: "The painting is a little like the one we saw in the gallery last week."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead, it felt a little like defeat.

The New York Times

Companies are a little like nations.

The New Yorker

"I was a little like, 'Uh, really?

The New York Times

It's a little like professional wrestling.

The New York Times

A little like the UN, a little like football.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a little like Eeyore.

The New York Times - Sports

"He looked a little like Rasputin.

The New York Times - Magazine

Little — " "Like what?" she says.

The New Yorker

"But very little like ourselves.

The New Yorker

It's a little like prayer.

The New Yorker

A little like that!

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little like" in informal contexts where a slight degree of similarity is intended. Avoid it in formal writing where more precise language is preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "little like" in academic papers or business reports. Opt for stronger, more precise synonyms like "somewhat similar to" or "bears some resemblance to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little like" functions as a qualifier indicating a degree of similarity or resemblance. It suggests that something shares some characteristics with something else, but not entirely. As noted by Ludwig AI, this usage is acceptable but primarily informal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "little like" is a common way to express a partial similarity or resemblance between two things. While acceptable for informal communication, it's crucial to consider the context. Ludwig AI indicates it is better to use more conventional expressions.

In professional or academic settings, opting for more formal and precise alternatives such as "somewhat similar to" or "bears some resemblance to" enhances clarity and credibility. Conversely, in casual conversations or less formal writing, "little like" provides a readily understandable and relatable comparison. When choosing, remember the purpose of your writing and audience. By doing so, you’ll make your intended points with precision and confidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit like

A direct synonym, maintaining the informal tone and indicating a slight similarity.

kind of like

Maintains informality while suggesting an approximation or loose comparison.

somewhat similar to

Indicates a partial resemblance, replacing 'little' with 'somewhat' for a slightly more formal tone.

resembles slightly

Highlights the act of resembling with a modifier to denote a small degree of similarity.

slightly akin to

Uses 'akin' to suggest a connection or similarity, softened by 'slightly'.

bears a resemblance to

A more formal way of indicating similarity, suitable for academic or professional writing.

not unlike

A double negative construction implying similarity, often used for emphasis or nuance.

shares some features with

Focuses on shared characteristics, suitable for detailed comparisons.

has elements in common with

Indicates shared aspects without implying overall similarity.

approximates

Suggests a rough similarity or mirroring of qualities.

FAQs

What does "little like" mean?

The phrase "little like" means somewhat similar to or resembling something to a small degree. It suggests a partial or superficial similarity rather than a strong or complete one.

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

You can use "little like" to draw a comparison between two things that share some, but not all, characteristics. For example, "This tastes a "bit like" apple juice, but it's actually pear juice".

What are some alternatives to "little like"?

Alternatives to "little like" include "somewhat similar to", "a bit like", or "slightly akin to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "little like" grammatically correct?

While "little like" is commonly used in informal speech and writing, it might be considered less formal than other options. In formal contexts, using phrases such as "somewhat similar to" or "bears a resemblance to" may be more appropriate.