something like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "something like" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when approximating a phrase, idea, or concept. For example, "I'm looking for something like a little black dress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Forty?" "Something like that".

The New Yorker

Something like a debate.

The New York Times

(Something like this).

The New York Times

Probably something like that.

The New York Times - Science

Something like: "I agree.

Independent

"Or something like it".

The New Yorker

Something like that, O.K".

The New York Times - Sports

— something like joy".

The New Yorker

Something Like Happy.

The Economist

works something like this.

The New Yorker

"Did we? Something like that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something like" when you want to provide an approximation or example, rather than a precise definition. This is particularly useful when the exact details are unknown or unimportant.

Common error

Avoid relying on "something like" too frequently in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. Overuse can make your writing seem vague or imprecise. Instead, aim for more specific language or provide concrete examples whenever possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something like" functions as an adverbial modifier, providing an approximation or example. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's used to soften a statement or suggest a resemblance without being precise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something like" is a versatile phrase used to express approximation, comparison, or resemblance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in written English. It is frequently found in news articles, informal writing, and scientific contexts, making it a common expression. While useful, overuse in formal writing should be avoided in favor of more precise language. Understanding its function and register can help writers use it effectively in various situations. Alternatives include "approximately" and "sort of", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately

This alternative conveys a similar sense of estimation or nearness to a specific value or characteristic.

more or less

This phrase suggests a degree of accuracy that is not entirely precise but close enough for the given context.

sort of

This alternative implies a loose similarity or resemblance, often used when a more precise description is not necessary or available.

kind of

This phrase is used to express that something is generally true, but not exactly or completely.

in the neighborhood of

This alternative is used when referring to a quantity or value and implies that the actual number is close to the stated amount.

in the vicinity of

Similar to 'in the neighborhood of', this phrase is often used when referring to a location and implies that the actual location is close to the stated one.

something along the lines of

This phrase suggests a general direction or idea, rather than a precise plan or intention.

similar to

This alternative is used to draw a direct comparison between two things that share some qualities.

akin to

This phrase implies a close relationship or resemblance, often used in more formal contexts.

resembling

This alternative emphasizes the visual or superficial similarity between two things.

FAQs

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

You can use "something like" to indicate an approximation or resemblance. For example, "I need "something like a screwdriver" to fix this" or "The movie was "something like a dream"."

What phrases are similar to "something like"?

Alternatives to "something like" include "approximately", "sort of", "kind of", and "more or less". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "like something" instead of "something like"?

While "like something" can sometimes be used, it's not always interchangeable with "something like". "Like something" often expresses a feeling or experience, while "something like" indicates resemblance or approximation. For example, "It felt like something out of a movie" is different from "It was something like a movie scene".

How formal is the phrase "something like"?

"Something like" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversation and writing. In more formal contexts, consider using more precise language or alternatives like "approximately" or "in the vicinity of".