their like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their like" is not standard in written English and may be considered incorrect or unclear.
It could be used in informal contexts to refer to people or things similar to a specified group, but it is not widely accepted. Example: "The artists of their like are rarely recognized in mainstream galleries."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

When next will we see their like?

The New York Times - Arts

Will we ever see their like again?

The Guardian - Music

We will not see their like again.

The Guardian - Books

Once they're gone, we will never see their like again.

The Guardian - Music

These debates make a poignant contrast with their like today.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arce found their like in his silk library.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And over his first decade in office, the governor seeded the executive branch with his former aides and their like-minded peers.

The New York Times

Fans using their mobile devices to chronicle activities on and off a field are no longer there for the sole purpose of rooting for their teams or relaxing with their like-minded comrades.

The New York Times

Votizen converted people's political vigor into influence, letting them encourage their like-minded friends to vote in elections.

TechCrunch

Bear and Ru joined Don and Sancho in their like-minded caravan.

Huffington Post

So when Adam Reid and Andy Watson united their like-minded music philosophies and reputable wax collections, Dorsia took flight.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider replacing "their like" with clearer alternatives such as "people like them" or "those similar to them" to enhance clarity and avoid potential ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "their like" in academic or professional documents. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their like" functions as a determiner followed by a noun, acting as a collective reference to individuals or entities sharing similar characteristics or belonging to the same category. Ludwig highlights the phrase's usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "their like" serves to categorize similar entities, though its appropriateness varies with context. Ludwig AI indicates that while it's common, especially in news and media, more formal alternatives might be better suited for professional or academic writing. Remember that clarity and precision are key, and choosing the right expression can significantly enhance your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

people like them

Replaces the more concise "their like" with a more explicit and common phrasing.

those similar to them

Expands on the original phrase for clarity, explicitly stating the similarity.

those of their kind

Substitutes "like" with "kind", offering a slightly more formal tone.

others of their sort

Uses "sort" instead of "like", maintaining the general meaning but with a subtle shift in emphasis.

individuals of their ilk

Replaces "like" with "ilk", suggesting a shared negative characteristic or association.

similar individuals

Offers a more neutral and straightforward alternative, avoiding potential ambiguity.

comparable people

Emphasizes the comparability of the individuals in question.

people in their category

Highlights the shared category or group membership.

those in their group

Similar to "people in their category", focusing on group affiliation.

counterparts

Implies a direct correspondence or similarity in role or function.

FAQs

What does "their like" mean?

The phrase "their like" refers to people or things that are similar to a specific group or individual, essentially meaning "people like them" or "things of that kind".

Is "their like" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, especially in informal contexts, "their like" is not always considered grammatically standard. More formal alternatives, such as "people like them" or "those similar to them", are often preferred.

When should I avoid using "their like"?

It's best to avoid using "their like" in formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications. In such contexts, use more precise and widely accepted alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "their like"?

You can use phrases like "people like them", "those of their kind", or "individuals of their ilk" depending on the specific context and desired tone.