said something like

USAGE SUMMARY

'said something like' is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to demonstrate that someone has said or written something similar or close to the words that are about to come. For example, "The professor said something like, 'I'm so glad you're enjoying this course.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said something like: "Learn.

The New York Times

Henry Moore said something like that.

The New York Times

And said something like: Just can't wait.

The New Yorker

Clark said something like "What?

The New Yorker

I think James said something like, "Give us a break.

The New York Times

"He probably said something like 1990," Fisher said.

The New York Times - Sports

I said something like that would be crazy.

The New York Times - Sports

It said something like: "I hope you remember this letter.

The New York Times

"He might have said something like that," Tebow said, smiling.

The New York Times - Sports

He said something like 'pass the sugar'.

The Guardian - Music

"She may have said something like that," she says coyly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "said something like" to indicate you are paraphrasing a statement and cannot recall the exact wording. This adds a layer of honesty and accuracy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "said something like" excessively when you can recall the general idea or intent of the statement. Consider using stronger verbs or more descriptive language for a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "said something like" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a paraphrase or approximation of a statement. Ludwig AI shows many examples of this usage, indicating its widespread use for conveying inexact recollections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "said something like" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to paraphrase or approximate a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its prevalence is high across diverse sources, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's most suitable for neutral contexts where verbatim accuracy isn't paramount. Remember, using stronger verbs can enhance the impact of your writing. When exact wording escapes you, "said something like" offers a convenient means to convey the essence of a message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mentioned something to the effect of

This suggests that the statement was not quoted directly but its essence was similar.

offered a comment similar to

This specifies that the speaker provided an opinion or remark close in meaning.

indicated with words to the effect of

This is slightly more formal and indicates an indirect communication of the idea.

conveyed a message akin to

This is more formal and emphasizes the core message being communicated rather than the specific wording.

expressed a sentiment along the lines of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the sentiment or feeling conveyed rather than the exact words.

remarked in a way that suggested

This focuses on the implication and indirect nature of the remark.

paraphrased it as

This is more specific to rephrasing something already said, focusing on the act of paraphrasing.

gave an approximation of

This phrase explicitly refers to a guess or estimate of what was said.

related a story that went something like

This is used when narrating a story rather than relaying a single sentence.

roughly translated to

This is useful when dealing with translations and approximate meanings.

FAQs

How can I use "said something like" in a sentence?

Use "said something like" to paraphrase or approximate what someone said when you don't remember the exact words. For example, "The manager "said something like", 'We need to increase sales this quarter'."

What are some alternatives to "said something like"?

Alternatives include "mentioned something to the effect of", "paraphrased it as", or "remarked in a way that suggested". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "said something like" in formal writing?

While acceptable, it might be better to use more precise language in formal writing. If the exact quote is unavailable, consider rephrasing the sentiment and citing the source.

What's the difference between "said something like" and directly quoting someone?

"Said something like" indicates a paraphrase or approximation, whereas a direct quote presents the exact words someone used. Direct quotes should be enclosed in quotation marks.