they were like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were like" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two or more people, objects, or situations. For example: "They were like two peas in a pod; they always did everything together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were, like, humongous.

Vice

"They were like, 'Yo!

Vice

They were like, "You'll be back".

Wikipedia

They were like angels.

The New York Times

They were like racehorses".

The New Yorker

They were like, 'OK.

The Guardian - Tech

They were like: "Really?

The New York Times

They were like twins".

The New York Times

They were like Tasmanian devils".

The New Yorker

They were like a duo".

The New York Times - Magazine

They were like art pieces".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were like" to report speech or thoughts in informal writing or dialogue. This is especially effective when capturing the tone and style of the speaker.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "they were like" in formal essays or reports. It can make your writing sound unprofessional. Use more formal verbs of speaking such as "they stated" or "they remarked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were like" functions as a reporting verb, often used in informal speech to introduce a direct quote or to convey someone's thoughts or feelings. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were like" is a common and acceptable way to report speech or thoughts in informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. However, it's crucial to avoid using it in formal writing, where more precise and professional alternatives are preferred. Examples from Ludwig highlight its prevalence in news and media, showcasing its role in conversational reporting. When aiming for formality, consider alternatives such as "they stated" or "they remarked".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they described it as

Focuses on their description of something using a simile.

they expressed

Focuses on the act of expressing something, omitting the informal "like".

they likened it to

Emphasizes the act of comparing something to something else.

they stated

Replaces the informal "like" with a more formal verb of saying.

they said it resembled

Highlights the resemblance they perceived.

they remarked

Indicates a brief comment or observation made by them.

they commented

Highlights that they gave commentary or opinion.

their reaction was

Shifts focus to their emotional or behavioral response.

they responded with

Focuses on the manner of their response.

they appeared to be

Indicates an observation about their apparent state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "they were like" in a sentence?

Use "they were like" to report someone's speech or thoughts, especially in informal contexts. For example, "They were like, 'I can't believe this is happening!'"

What's a more formal alternative to "they were like"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases such as "they stated", "they commented", or "they remarked" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "they were like"?

Yes, "they were like" is grammatically acceptable in informal speech and writing as a way to introduce a quote or express a comparison. However, it's best to avoid it in formal contexts.

When should I avoid using "they were like"?

Avoid using "they were like" in academic papers, business reports, or any situation where a formal tone is required. Opt for more precise and formal language instead.