somehow like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somehow like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is similar to what has just been mentioned, although not exactly the same. For example, "I'm not sure how to describe it, but it was somehow like this..."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Removal sounds somehow like, 'Wait a minute: Is this an authority making a decision?' If it's cast in the framework of people making decisions that are in their interest, and in their family's interest, about where they're storing their guns, then it's easier to have that conversation".

Vice

Somehow, liking or disliking Proteus has become something of a political decision in the gaming community.

The Guardian - Tech

Jonny from Love Island kisses like someone who's just jogged for a bus doing a balloon, in that he closes his eyes and just inhales as hard as it is possible to inhale in the hope that somehow, alchemy-like, this action will turn into sex.

Vice

Banksy He has to reveal his identity somehow; why not like this?

The Guardian - Arts

"But I'd say upwards of 60percentt of the Santas come back every year, either because they are retired or because they somehow like doing this and find a few weeks off of their other jobs.

The New York Times

I felt on display, somehow, like the sculpture.

The New Yorker

It feels ceremonial somehow, like the approach to an altar.

The New Yorker

It is even, somehow, "like the metric system".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was somehow like the country was saying to the city, 'Let's look at your life decisions.

The New Yorker

Turning him over, she saw that his eyes were open but "unconvincing somehow, like the eyes of an expensive doll..

The New Yorker

I couldn't disappear into darkness and be "entertained". I felt on display, somehow, like the sculpture.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somehow like this" when you want to draw a comparison that isn't precise or easily defined. It implies a degree of vagueness or unexpected similarity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "somehow like this" as it can weaken your writing if used excessively. Instead, strive for more specific and descriptive comparisons to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somehow like this" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a comparison or similarity that is not precise or fully explained. It suggests an intuitive or vague resemblance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somehow like this" serves as an adverbial phrase to express a vague or intuitive comparison. While grammatically correct, it is best used in neutral to informal contexts where precision is not paramount. Consider using more specific alternatives when clarity is essential. The absence of examples prevents determining authoritative sources and usage frequency. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a way similar to this

Replaces "somehow" with a more explicit "in a way" making the similarity more direct.

somewhat resembling this

Uses "resembling" for a clearer indication of similarity, slightly more formal.

in some respects similar to this

Highlights that the similarity is only in certain aspects, adding specificity.

akin to this in a certain sense

More formal and emphasizes a conceptual similarity.

reminiscent of this

Suggests that something recalls or brings to mind what is being compared to.

vaguely similar to this

Emphasizes that the similarity is not strong or well-defined.

sort of like this

More informal and colloquial, indicating a loose comparison.

analogous to this

Suggests a direct analogy, a more reasoned or structural comparison.

comparable to this

Indicates that the things being compared have measurable similarities.

not unlike this

Uses a double negative to affirm a similarity, which is slightly more emphatic.

FAQs

How can I use "somehow like this" in a sentence?

You can use "somehow like this" to express a vague or unexpected similarity between two things. For example, "The experience was disorienting, somehow like this dream I once had".

What phrases are similar to "somehow like this"?

Alternatives include "in a way similar to this", "somewhat resembling this", or "sort of like this". Each offers a slightly different nuance in expressing the comparison.

Is "somehow like this" grammatically correct?

Yes, "somehow like this" is grammatically acceptable, though it's important to use it in contexts where vagueness is appropriate. It is listed as Correct according to Ludwig AI.

When should I avoid using "somehow like this"?

Avoid using "somehow like this" when precision is crucial. In technical or formal writing, opt for clearer and more direct comparisons. Using "analogous to this" might be a better choice for a formal environment.