pretty like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty like" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation or informal writing to express a similarity or likeness, often in a playful or light-hearted manner. Example: "She has a pretty like smile, just like her mother."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He finds Andrea "really pretty, like babysitter pretty".

The New Yorker

They look pretty, like an assortment of colored gems.

The New York Times

Random sample: "So I was — I was a pretty — like — serious kid, though.

The New York Times

The goals aren't pretty like they are during the regular season — they're ugly.

The New York Times

His form was pretty, like a serve by Roger Federer, if not exactly aerobic.

The New York Times

I think you are pretty like a horse or a ladybug.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

My views don't always represent theirs and vice-versa even though we're pretty like-minded (we've worked together for 10+ years).

TechCrunch

John Kerry and John Edwards are already there, fixin' their hair all pretty-like.

The New York Times

But you can check out all your stats, and have them graphed out all pretty-like.

TechCrunch

S��golène Royal said, wistfully (if irrelevantly), when we met for coffee during the Assembly debates, that the scarves were "very pretty... like the bonnets in Africa".

The New Yorker

Coming to the USA, it became more obvious to me that I was not pretty -- like having the realization that all the Disney princesses were white.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretty like", consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. It is best suited for informal contexts where a casual and descriptive comparison is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty like" in formal essays, business reports, or academic papers. Opt for more standard phrases such as "similar to" or "resembling" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty like" primarily functions as a descriptive comparator, indicating a similarity in appearance or aesthetic quality. It's used to draw a comparison between two subjects based on their perceived prettiness, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty like" is a common phrase used for making informal comparisons related to appearance. While grammatically acceptable in casual contexts, Ludwig AI points out that it's not suitable for formal writing. Its function is primarily descriptive, and its usage is prevalent in News & Media sources. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "similar to" or "resembling" to maintain a professional tone. When in doubt, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like a pretty version of

Specifies that something is comparable because it resembles a beautiful version of something else.

as lovely as

Uses a more traditional and concise comparison to express a similar level of loveliness.

similar in attractiveness

Directly states the similarity in attractiveness, offering a clear and straightforward comparison.

comparable in beauty

Highlights the comparison as relating to beauty, maintaining a clear and concise connection.

beautiful in a similar way

Emphasizes beauty as the quality being compared, using a more formal tone.

with a similar prettiness to

Indicates that something has a prettiness that resembles something else.

attractive in a comparable fashion

Highlights attractiveness and employs a more sophisticated and formal style.

possessing similar beauty to

A more elaborate way of stating that something's beauty is alike something else's.

resembling in prettiness

Focuses specifically on prettiness as the shared attribute, with a slightly more technical feel.

akin in comeliness

Employs a somewhat archaic term ("comeliness") for beauty, lending a classic or literary quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "pretty like" to make a casual comparison, for example, "The garden was "pretty like" a scene from a fairy tale".

What phrases are similar to "pretty like"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "similar to", "resembling", or "comparable to", depending on the context.

Is "pretty like" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in informal speech, "pretty like" is not considered grammatically standard in formal English. Consider using more precise language in formal writing.

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

"Pretty like" is generally more informal and descriptive, while "similar to" is more formal and can be used in a wider range of contexts.