something like this

USAGE SUMMARY

"something like this" is a valid expression in written English.
It can be used whenever you are suggesting an example or idea. For example, "If you're looking for a way to stay organized, you might try something like this: create a detailed to-do list each day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Something like this).

The New York Times

works something like this.

The New Yorker

"Who does something like this?

The New York Times

"Until something like this happens".

The New York Times

It goes something like this.

The Economist

Perhaps something like this.

The New York Times - Magazine

Never something like this".

The New York Times

Something like this, then?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Something like this, maybe?

The Guardian - Sport

Mine goes something like this.

Princeton University

You get something like this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something like this" to introduce an example or illustration that clarifies a concept, making your writing more accessible and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "something like this" excessively without providing concrete examples. Ensure you follow up with specific details to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something like this" functions as a demonstrative expression, often used to introduce an example, illustration, or a general idea. It serves to provide clarity or to suggest a parallel scenario, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something like this" is a versatile phrase used to introduce examples, suggestions, or approximations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid it in highly formal writing where more precise language is preferred. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something along these lines

Focuses on the general direction or idea rather than a specific instance.

a similar instance

Highlights the similarity between the current situation and another one.

a comparable situation

Emphasizes the comparability of two distinct scenarios.

an analogous case

Suggests a parallel situation that can help understand the current one.

a parallel example

Highlights a case that runs side by side with one other.

a related occurrence

Highlights the causal relationship between two distinct events.

a corresponding item

Highlights the similarities in a correspondence.

a like scenario

Emphasizes the similarity between the situations.

a similar sort of thing

Focuses on the sort of thing but without going into specifics.

a representative case

Emphasizes how the situation or case exemplifies a broader category or trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "something like this" to introduce an example, a suggestion, or an approximation. For example, "If you want to improve your fitness, try "something like this": a 30-minute jog three times a week".

What are some alternatives to "something like this"?

Alternatives include "something along these lines", "a similar instance", or "a comparable situation", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "something like this" in formal writing?

While "something like this" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be too informal for highly formal writing. In such cases, consider using more precise language or alternatives like "a representative case".

What does "something like this" imply?

"Something like this" implies that what follows is an approximation, a suggestion, or a general idea rather than an exact or definitive statement. It indicates that the specifics might vary.