sometimes like this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes like this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or occurrence that happens occasionally in a manner similar to what is being referenced. Example: "I find myself feeling overwhelmed sometimes like this, especially during busy work weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Sometimes, like this, I'm just tense," she said, pointing out an ellipsis of brown dots down the length of her belly, marks the size of moles she'd made by extinguishing stick matches against her skin.

The New Yorker

The Portuguese added: "Petr was disappointed but football is sometimes like this.

BBC

Sometimes, like this one, I needed the whole kit.

Huffington Post

The tendency to separate oneself from the person in the vignette was measured by means of the items 'This person is different from others' and 'Basically we are all sometimes like this person.

BMC Psychiatry

As compared to schizophrenia, respondents disagreed over twice as frequently with the statement that 'the person is different from others' (64% vs. 29%), and agreed over twice as frequently with the statement that 'basically we are all sometimes like this person' and that 'it is only a question how pronounced this state is'.

BMC Psychiatry

While in France, 28% of respondents agreed with the statement that 'we are all sometimes like this person' in case of schizophrenia and 58% in case of major depression, in Germany, the difference between both disorders was smaller with 26%and44%4%, respectively.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And I sometimes like to explain this by an analogy that most people get.

Harvard Business Review

I sometimes like to think that this is why good lefties such as Tim Robbins love the game so much.

The Guardian - Sport

"Sometimes it works, and sometimes it's like, 'This is like Miami Sound Machine.' ".

The New York Times - Arts

Unable to decide on any one appearance, they remain fickle, sometimes looking like this, sometimes looking like that.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Youssef: No. Sometimes, like with this solid-surface material used in this countertop, they've applied for a patent, and we can read the patent application to find out some of the ingredients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes like this" to draw a comparison to a specific instance or manner that is already understood or visible to the audience. This helps create a shared understanding and context.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes like this" excessively in close proximity, as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "occasionally in this way" or "at times in this fashion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes like this" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the frequency and manner of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sometimes like this" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to specify the frequency and manner of an action, typically drawing a comparison to a specific, often present, example. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing, with a neutral register that fits both informal and moderately formal settings. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives such as "occasionally in this manner" or "at times in this fashion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally in this manner

Replaces "sometimes" with "occasionally" and "like this" with "in this manner", both emphasizing the infrequency and method of the action.

periodically in this way

Substitutes "sometimes" with "periodically" and "like this" with "in this way", highlighting the recurring nature of the action in a specific manner.

at times in this fashion

Replaces "sometimes" with "at times" and "like this" with "in this fashion", conveying a similar meaning with slightly more formal language.

now and then in this style

Substitutes "sometimes" with "now and then" and "like this" with "in this style", both suggesting a less frequent and more stylistic comparison.

on occasion in this guise

Replaces "sometimes" with "on occasion" and "like this" with "in this guise", emphasizing the infrequency and form of the action.

from time to time in this sort of way

Substitutes "sometimes" with "from time to time" and "like this" with "in this sort of way", both conveying a less frequent and more general manner.

every so often in this kind of way

Replaces "sometimes" with "every so often" and "like this" with "in this kind of way", both suggesting a less frequent and more generic approach.

once in a while in this fashion

Substitutes "sometimes" with "once in a while" and "like this" with "in this fashion", emphasizing the infrequency and style of the action.

sporadically in this manner

Replaces "sometimes" with "sporadically" and "like this" with "in this manner", highlighting the irregular occurrence and method of the action.

infrequently in this way

Substitutes "sometimes" with "infrequently" and "like this" with "in this way", conveying a similar meaning with a focus on the rare nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "sometimes like this" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can replace "sometimes like this" with alternatives such as "occasionally in this manner" or "at times in this fashion", which provide a more sophisticated tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sometimes like this"?

The phrase "sometimes like this" is appropriate when you want to refer to a specific situation or manner that occurs occasionally. It's useful for drawing comparisons to a present or understood context.

What is a common mistake to avoid when using "sometimes like this"?

A common mistake is to overuse the phrase, which can lead to repetitive writing. Try to vary your language by using alternative expressions such as "periodically in this way" or "now and then in this style".

Are there any informal alternatives to "sometimes like this"?

Yes, some informal alternatives include "every so often in this kind of way" or "once in a while in this fashion", which offer a more casual tone.