the like

USAGE SUMMARY

The use of the phrase "the like" is not technically wrong, but it is usually not used in formal writing.
It is a colloquial phrase that people often use in conversation. For example: "That hot sauce is really spicy - I like it, but the like others might not."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Concerts and the like?

The New Yorker

I myself had never seen the like.

The New Yorker

Clothes and the like are provided free.

The Economist

'Banks of the Ohio' and the like.

The New Yorker

In the, like, movie?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cake, sandwiches and the like.

The Guardian

Residents say the like the neighborhood's walkability.

The New York Times

Did you ever hear the like?

The Guardian - Sport

'El Deathio', or something of the like.

The Guardian - Sport

"Parties, concerts, movies and the like.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The like-for-like sales figures exclude new stores.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the like", ensure the preceding list provides a clear understanding of what is being implied. Avoid vague or ambiguous references.

Common error

While "the like" is acceptable in many settings, overuse in formal writing can make your prose sound less professional. Opt for more precise language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the like" functions as a post-modifier, expanding on a previously mentioned list by indicating that other, similar items or concepts are also included. Ludwig AI shows that this is often used to avoid explicitly listing every possible item.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the like" is a phrase used to indicate items or concepts similar to those already mentioned. Ludwig AI classifies it as acceptable, although more suitable for informal contexts. It serves the purpose of generalizing and abbreviating lists, and is frequently found in news articles, wikis, and scientific papers. If your goal is accuracy and precision, especially in formal texts, you might want to consider alternatives such as "and similar items" or "and so forth". Remember that, while "the like" is widely used, ensuring clarity and avoiding vagueness will always contribute to better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and the like that

Adds emphasis while retaining a similar level of informality.

and similar things

A straightforward substitute emphasizing the similarity of the included items.

and similar items

Replaces "the like" with a more explicit indication of similar objects or items.

and related items

Focuses on the connection between the items mentioned and those implied.

and other such

Implies a set of related items or concepts.

and such things

Offers a slightly more informal way of indicating similar or related items.

or something similar

Suggests an alternative that shares key characteristics.

and comparable elements

Suggests elements that can be directly compared to those mentioned.

and so forth

Indicates a continuation of a list with similar items, but implies a more formal tone.

and things of that nature

A more verbose alternative indicating items with similar characteristics.

FAQs

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

Use "the like" after mentioning specific examples to indicate similar items. For example, "I enjoy reading books, magazines, and "the like"".

What are some alternatives to using "the like"?

You can use alternatives such as "and similar items", "and such things", or "and "so forth"" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "the like" in formal writing?

While not technically incorrect, "the like" is generally considered informal. It's best to use more precise and formal language in academic or professional contexts.

What does "the like" mean?

"The like" refers to things that are similar to or of the same type as those that have just been mentioned. It implies a continuation of a list of similar items or ideas.