software like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "software like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing or referring to similar types of software or applications. Example: "There are many software like Adobe Photoshop that offer advanced photo editing features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Software like YouTube's, though, may help.

The New York Times

Yes, software like Music Memos is very clever.

Independent

Digital darkroom software like Photoshop has made filters largely unnecessary.

The New York Times - Tech

How do you get free software like that?

The Guardian - Tech

Software like Dragon Stop Motion is making animation even simpler.

The New York Times - Tech

Instead of desktop software like Microsoft Word or iPhoto, people use Web-based software like Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365 or Picasa.

The New York Times

TomorrowNow provides support for business software, like that provided by PeopleSoft.

The New York Times

Jambo is similar to software like Dodgeball, which is for dating.

The New York Times

* Recording the keystrokes their children have typed by using software like ChildSafe (www.webroot.com/childsafe1.htm).

The New York Times - Tech

We are very interested in exporting our software, like India does.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

IBM is becoming more software-like.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "software like", ensure the examples you provide are genuinely representative and relevant to the category you are describing. Providing weak examples can undermine your point.

Common error

Be specific when using "software like". Avoid vague statements that compare dissimilar software based on superficial features. Focus on core functionalities or purposes to ensure meaningful comparisons.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "software like" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce examples or comparisons. It modifies a noun (usually another instance of "software") by providing a list of similar items. Ludwig confirms its role in exemplification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "software like" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce examples of similar software. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, and while suitable for most writing, it's slightly less formal than alternatives like "software such as". When using this phrase, ensure your examples are relevant and specific to enhance clarity and avoid overly broad comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

software similar to

Uses "similar to" instead of "like", which is a direct synonym replacement with minimal change in meaning.

software such as

Replaces "like" with "such as", which is a more formal way to introduce examples.

software akin to

Replaces "like" with "akin to", maintaining a formal tone and indicating similarity.

software comparable to

Substitutes "like" with "comparable to", emphasizing the possibility of evaluation and resemblance.

software including

Shifts the focus to inclusion rather than mere similarity, denoting a partial list.

software for instance

Changes the structure to introduce an example; "for instance" provides a specific illustration.

software featuring

Highlights prominent elements or capabilities; denotes characteristics or capabilities.

software exemplified by

Uses "exemplified by" to emphasize the role of specific software as a prime example.

software of the type

Alters the phrasing to specify a type or category that the software belongs to.

software on the order of

Implies approximate similarity in function or capability.

FAQs

How to use "software like" in a sentence?

Use "software like" to introduce examples of software that share similar characteristics or functionalities. For instance, "Use photo editing "software like" Adobe Photoshop for enhancing images".

What can I say instead of "software like"?

You can use alternatives such as "software such as", "software similar to", or "software akin to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "software like" or "software such as"?

Both "software like" and "software such as" are grammatically correct, but "software such as" is often considered more formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "software like" and "software including"?

"Software like" suggests similarity or provides examples, while "software including" indicates a partial list or inclusion of specific items. The former is used for comparison, the latter for enumeration.