programs like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "programs like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing or referring to similar programs or applications in a specific context. Example: "There are many educational programs like Khan Academy that offer free resources for students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AW: Well, don't take it -- don't personalize it, programs like -- I said programs like yours.

Huffington Post

And top programs like "E.R".

The New York Times

Shouldn't programs like this be flourishing everywhere?

The New York Times

There should be more programs like these.

The New York Times - Arts

Programs like "The Mission" repackage the theme.

The New York Times

Programs like ours don't have that".

The New York Times - Sports

It's not because they dislike individual programs like Medicare.

The New York Times

Other means-tested programs, like Medicaid, have such policies.

The New York Times

That makes investing in programs like universal preschool more affordable.

The New York Times

White thinks of computer programs like Pro Tools as "cheating".

The New York Times - Magazine

What about when you actually scale programs like these up?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "programs like", ensure that the examples you provide are genuinely representative and relevant to the general category you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "programs like" to compare programs that are only superficially similar. Focus on key features or objectives to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "programs like" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing examples or comparisons. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's used to specify instances that are similar to the general category of programs being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "programs like" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase to introduce examples that are similar to a general category of programs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted and adaptable to numerous contexts, although more formal alternatives such as "programs such as" exist. While "programs like" appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, it is less common in more formal or academic writing. When utilizing this phrase, ensure that the provided examples are truly representative to avoid overly broad comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

programs such as

Replaces "like" with "such as", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the meaning of providing examples.

programs similar to

Emphasizes the similarity between the programs being discussed, rather than giving specific examples.

programs akin to

A more formal synonym for "similar to", suitable for academic or professional contexts.

programs comparable to

Focuses on the comparability of programs, suggesting a basis for comparison or evaluation.

programs along the lines of

Suggests programs that follow a similar pattern or approach, rather than being strictly identical.

programs of the same kind as

Highlights that programs share fundamental characteristics and belong to the same category.

programs in the style of

Compares programs based on their style, structure, or approach, applicable in creative or artistic contexts.

programs mirroring

Emphasizes a close resemblance, suggesting that the programs closely imitate or reflect each other.

programs on a par with

Indicates that the programs are of equivalent quality or status, implying a form of excellence or equivalence.

programs analogous to

Suggests that the programs have similar functions or features, often used to explain unfamiliar concepts.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "programs like"?

You can use alternatives such as "programs such as", "programs similar to", or "programs akin to" depending on the level of formality you need.

Is it grammatically correct to use "programs like"?

Yes, the phrase "programs like" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to provide examples or comparisons.

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

You can use "programs like" to introduce examples of programs that share similar characteristics. For instance, "Many educational platforms, "programs like" Khan Academy and Coursera, offer free courses online".

What is the difference between "programs like" and "programs such as"?

While both phrases are used to introduce examples, "programs such as" is generally considered more formal than "programs like". The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.