more like it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more like it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are indicating that a previous statement or action can be improved. For example, "I think the tomatoes from the store were a bit too ripe. These local tomatoes are more like it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much more like it.

Independent

That was more like it.

The Guardian

Roar was more like it.

The New York Times - Sports

This is more like it.

The New York Times - Sports

Now that's more like it.

The New York Times

That sounds more like it.

The New Yorker

That's more like it, actually.

The New York Times - Arts

That is more like it.

The Economist

(Impossible was more like it).

The New Yorker

"Doomed" is more like it.

The New York Times

Hardship is more like it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more like it", ensure the context is clear about what the 'it' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and makes your approval easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "more like it" when there isn't a clear previous reference point. The phrase implies a comparison, so ensure there's something to compare against for the statement to make sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more like it" functions as an interjection or a short declarative phrase expressing approval, satisfaction, or agreement, especially after something has been corrected or improved. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more like it" is a common and acceptable phrase used to express satisfaction or approval, typically after an improvement or correction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for informal and neutral settings and should be avoided in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by providing a clear reference point for the 'it' in the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "that's better" or "now you're talking" for different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's more the ticket

Emphasizes suitability or appropriateness, highlighting that something is now fitting the requirements.

That's the way to do it

Focuses on the correct method or approach being used.

That's what I'm talking about

Shows strong agreement and enthusiasm for the current situation.

Now you're talking

Indicates agreement and approval of what's being said or done.

This is what I wanted to see

Highlights satisfaction with an outcome or action that meets expectations.

That's a step in the right direction

Highlights progress and improvement toward a desired outcome.

That hits the spot

Expresses satisfaction, often in response to a need being fulfilled.

That's more along the lines of what I was expecting

Indicates that current action aligns with original expectations.

That's an improvement

Simply notes a positive change from a previous state.

That's better

A general expression of preference for the current state.

FAQs

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

You can use "more like it" to express approval or satisfaction with a situation or action that meets your expectations, especially after a previous attempt was inadequate. For example, "The first draft was rough, but this revision is "much more like it"."

What are some alternatives to saying "more like it"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "that's better", "now you're talking", or "that's what I'm looking for". Each conveys a similar sense of approval or satisfaction.

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

While generally acceptable, "more like it" is more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "a significant improvement" or "aligns with expectations".

What's the difference between "more like it" and "that's it"?

"More like it" implies a comparison and expresses satisfaction with a better outcome, whereas "that's it" typically signifies completion or agreement, without necessarily involving a prior comparison. For instance, saying "that's it, I'm done" suggests finishing a task, while "more like it" expresses approval of something that has improved.