or alike

USAGE SUMMARY

"or alike" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "or alike" when referring to things that are similar or related to each other. For example: "Do you prefer apples or oranges, or alike?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To make similar or alike.

The New Yorker

It does not have a character to be called masterplan or alike, which determines comprehensive or strategic development of the transport system of the country.

European Transport Research Review

The first one refers to heavy external pressure which might be caused by a global environmental disaster, a world war or alike.

European Journal of Futures Research

Of the sample's projects, 20% were very large undertakings of over US$100 million each, many of them defense contracts or alike.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Furthermore, hypoxia that is the result of embolized blood flow in solid tumor vessels may be restored by nitro agents or alike, to improve the blood flow and drug delivery.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

The association of these hydrated amino acid residues with cations would substantially contribute to the stability and solubility of LipC or alike halophilic enzymes in high salt or solvent deprived environments.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Loved by anarchists and trick-or-treaters alike, we are, of course, talking about the egg AKA portable, well weighted capsules of explosive foul-smelling chicken ovum.

Vice

Loved by anarchists and trick-or-treaters alike is the egg, a.k.a. a portable, well-weighted capsule of explosive, foul-smelling chicken ovum.

Vice

Turn it on by pushing buttons labeled "AUTOPILO T or "AUTO FLIGHT," "AFS" or "AP" or something alike.

WikiHow

Rare is the time where they make news or elicit even remotely interesting comments, from politicians or athletes alike.

Huffington Post

Standard abbreviations like "LOL," "ROTFL," or "LMAO" can be sent to just about anyone, friend or crush alike.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or alike" to subtly suggest related items or concepts without exhaustively listing them. It adds a touch of informality while maintaining clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "or alike" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives such as "or similar" or "or equivalent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or alike" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting elements by suggesting similarity or relatedness. Ludwig examples show it often appears after listing one or more items to imply there are other comparable items.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "or alike" is a grammatically sound conjunctive phrase used to indicate similarity or relatedness, adding a subtle touch of informality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable for use in written English. Its usage is common across various contexts, including science, news, and general web content, though less frequent in highly formal settings. When writing, use "or alike" to suggest a category of similar items without being exhaustive, but consider more precise alternatives like "or similar" for professional or academic writing to ensure clarity and maintain a formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or similar

Emphasizes resemblance but may not be a direct substitute.

or something similar

Broader, encompassing a range of related items or concepts.

or the like

More informal; suggests a category of similar items.

or equivalent

Indicates functional equivalence rather than mere similarity.

or comparable

Highlights comparability, often in terms of quality or value.

or analogous

Suggests a more formal or technical comparison of similarities.

or akin

Implies a close relationship or resemblance.

or related

Broader term suggesting a connection, not necessarily similarity.

or suchlike

British English equivalent of "or the like", indicating similar items.

or words to that effect

Focuses on conveying the same meaning, regardless of exact wording.

FAQs

How can I use "or alike" in a sentence?

Use "or alike" to indicate similar or related items. For example, "Do you enjoy apples, oranges, or alike?" suggests you're asking about similar types of fruit.

What phrases can I use instead of "or alike"?

You can use alternatives like "or similar", "or something similar", or "or the like" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "or alike" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "or alike" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider using phrases like "or equivalent" or "or comparable".

What is the difference between "or alike" and "or similar"?

"Or alike" and "or similar" both indicate resemblance, but "or alike" is slightly more informal. "Or similar" may be preferred in professional or academic settings.