someone like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "someone like that" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a particular person or group of people, either in the context of the present conversation or discussion, or in the general sense. For example, you might say: "I'm not sure why someone like that would do something like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How would someone like that register his son's behavior?

The New Yorker

Why does someone like that keep coming back?

Vice

You need to find someone like that.

The New Yorker

So probably someone like that.

The Guardian - Sport

"You need someone like that.

The Guardian - Film

Few teams could replace someone like that.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone in Hollywood knows someone like that.

The Guardian - Film

You'd never go near someone like that.

The Guardian - Film

Someone like that would have no conscience".

The New York Times

Imagine being married to someone like that.

The Guardian

"To kill someone like that would be a great disgrace.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "someone like that" when you want to avoid explicitly naming or defining a person, but still need to convey a general idea of their characteristics or situation.

Common error

While "someone like that" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in academic papers or business reports. Consider using more specific and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "someone like that" functions as a pronoun phrase, serving as a substitute for a specific noun. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It refers to a person with similar characteristics to another previously mentioned or understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "someone like that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to refer to a person who shares similar characteristics with another individual, without explicitly defining them. As Ludwig AI explains, it functions as a pronoun phrase, drawing parallels and creating a shared understanding, and it is widely used in News & Media sources. While versatile, it may be too informal for academic writing, where more precise language is recommended. Alternatives include phrases like "a person of that kind" or "an individual like that" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a person of that kind

Replaces 'someone' with 'a person' and uses 'of that kind' to convey similarity, focusing on the person's attributes.

an individual like that

Substitutes 'someone' with 'an individual', maintaining a formal tone while specifying resemblance.

a similar person

Simplifies the phrase by directly stating the similarity between individuals.

a person of that nature

Emphasizes the character or inherent qualities of the person being compared.

one of that type

Focuses on categorizing the person based on shared traits or behaviors.

someone of that ilk

Uses 'ilk' to denote a group or category of people with similar characteristics, adding a slightly archaic tone.

a comparable person

Highlights the comparability of the person to another, either in status, behavior or situation.

a person fitting that description

Refers to an individual that matches a previously provided account or profile.

an equivalent person

Stresses that the person is equal in terms of skills, traits, and/or qualification.

a like individual

Uses 'like' as an adjective, indicating a similar nature or characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "someone like that" in a sentence?

The phrase "someone like that" is used to refer to a person who shares similar characteristics or is in a similar situation to another person. For example: "I can't imagine "someone like that" doing something so dishonest".

What are some alternatives to using "someone like that"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a person of that kind", "an individual like that", or "a similar person" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "someone like that" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "someone like that" might be considered too informal for academic or business writing. Opt for more precise and descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

What does "someone like that" imply about the person being described?

The phrase implies that the person shares certain qualities or is in a comparable situation to someone already mentioned or understood in the context. It avoids specifics while still conveying a general understanding.