maybe like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "maybe like" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used in casual conversation or writing to express uncertainty or to suggest a possibility in a relaxed manner. Example: "I was thinking we could maybe like go to the beach this weekend if the weather is nice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The first day I made maybe like 35?

The Guardian - Business

Or maybe like, a whole new boyfriend?

Huffington Post

It maybe like: Having a dog will teach you to follow a routine.

WikiHow

"It's maybe like James Bond.

The New York Times

Maybe like one or two.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe, like, too many?

The New Yorker

Maybe like small, small country, you know".

The New York Times - Sports

Or maybe like modern Palestinians?

The New Yorker

Maybe "like" is the wrong word.

The New York Times

Maybe like a kind of messy bun.

The New Yorker

Maybe, like, a cool hat... Shit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and precision, consider using more formal alternatives such as "perhaps similar to" or "approximately".

Common error

Avoid using "maybe like" in academic papers, business reports, or other formal documents. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maybe like" functions as a hedge, softening a comparison or approximation. It introduces an element of uncertainty or informality into the statement, indicating the speaker is not making a precise or definitive claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English, although informal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Maybe like" is an informal phrase used to express a tentative comparison or approximation. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's best suited for casual contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its usability, but advises against using it in formal writing. Alternatives such as "perhaps similar to" or "approximately" offer greater precision and formality. The phrase's high frequency in news and media indicates its prevalence in everyday language, while its absence in more formal settings underscores the importance of considering the register when choosing vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of like

Another informal option that suggests a loose comparison, emphasizing the shared qualities.

sort of like

Similar in informality but implies a vague resemblance, often used when precision is not important.

might be comparable to

This phrase directly suggests a comparison, indicating shared characteristics.

perhaps similar to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the similarity between two things.

in a way similar to

This emphasizes the similarity in a particular aspect or manner.

potentially similar to

Highlights the potential for similarity, adding a degree of speculation.

possibly such as

This phrase suggests a possibility and introduces examples to illustrate the point.

could be described as

This option offers a more descriptive and less hesitant way to characterize something.

conceivably resembling

This is a more formal way of suggesting a resemblance, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

approximately

This provides a more direct way to express an estimation, removing the element of comparison.

FAQs

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

You can use "maybe like" to express an approximation or comparison in informal contexts. For example, "The movie was "kind of" "maybe like" a superhero film, but with a twist."

What can I say instead of "maybe like"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "perhaps similar to", "approximately", or "sort of like".

Is it correct to use "maybe like" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "maybe like" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Choose more precise language for those contexts.

What is the difference between "maybe like" and "possibly similar to"?

"Maybe like" is more casual and suggests a rough comparison. "Possibly similar to" is more formal and indicates a potential resemblance that may require further examination.