more like

USAGE SUMMARY

"more like" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that what has been stated is inaccurate or incorrect, and then suggest the actual result that is the opposite of the first statement. For example: "That wasn't an A on the test; more like a C."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"More like boy toy.

The New Yorker

"More like whole wallet".

The New York Times - Arts

Well, more like friend.

The New York Times

More like a ripple".

The New York Times - Books

It's more like medutainment".

The New Yorker

It's more like witchcraft.

The New York Times

More like lunacy.

The New York Times

They're more like suggestions.

The New York Times

"Fragrant, more like".

The New Yorker

More like shame.

The New Yorker

It's more like escapism.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more like" to politely correct or refine a statement, offering a more accurate or appropriate description. This helps in nuanced communication, especially when you want to avoid direct contradiction.

Common error

Avoid overusing "more like" in formal documents or academic papers, as it can sound conversational or informal. Opt for more precise and direct language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more like" functions as a qualifier or corrective, used to suggest that an alternative description or assessment is more accurate than the one initially presented. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more like" is a versatile tool for offering corrections or refinements to statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While highly common, remember that "more like" leans toward informal and should be used judiciously in formal writing. The phrase functions to adjust perceptions and provide more accurate descriptions, promoting clearer communication. Consider alternatives like "actually" or "rather" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

actually

This adverb directly corrects or adjusts a previous statement.

rather

This single word can replace the phrase, offering a simpler way to introduce a more accurate description.

it's closer to

Similar to "more akin to", this indicates a description that is nearer to the truth or more fitting.

more accurately

This adverbial phrase emphasizes the increased precision of the alternative description.

it's more akin to

This phrase offers an alternative that is similar in nature, providing a comparison.

in reality

This phrase contrasts a perception with the actual state of affairs, much like "more like".

better described as

This places emphasis on the alternative as a superior characterization.

to be precise

This phrase introduces a more exact or detailed description.

not so much

This negates the initial description before implying a more suitable one.

if anything

This suggests the opposite of what was previously stated is true, implying a stronger correction.

FAQs

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

Use "more like" to suggest a more accurate or appropriate description than one that has already been stated. For example, "That wasn't a victory; "more like" a narrow escape".

What are some alternatives to "more like"?

Alternatives include "actually", "rather", or "in reality depending on the context".

Is it okay to use "more like" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "more like" is generally considered informal and may not be suitable for formal writing. Consider using more precise language in those contexts.

What is the difference between "more like" and "similar to"?

"More like" is used to suggest a correction or refinement of a statement, whereas "similar to" is used to draw a comparison. "This isn't a failure; "more like" a learning experience" versus "This is similar to that other project".