told me like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "told me like" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or colloquial.
It can be used in casual conversation or informal writing to convey a sense of directness or emphasis in what someone has communicated. Example: "She told me like it was, without holding back any details."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A wise friend once told me, "like attracts like".

Huffington Post

"He told me, like, he didn't want me dealing with him anymore," Miles said.

The New York Times - Sports

They played, Puskas once told me, like gypsies, roaming where instinct and intuition took them.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was very disorienting," he told me, "like seeing Chaplin without the mustache and the cane".

The New Yorker

It felt, they told me, like a "referendum" on an effort that consumed them for years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cline told me, "Like every element of 'Hopscotch,' we figured it out through conversation, testing, discovery, iterating".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

I also had another VC tell me likes married women and put his hand on mine.

TechCrunch

"He would always tell me like it is," she said.

The New York Times

"What would it need to tell me?" "Like if it loses a charge or malfunctions".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Better call the police," Brian tells me, like Clive's not there.

The Guardian - Books

Glazer tells me, "Like most scientists, I'm driven by curiosity.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more formal alternatives such as "said to me that" or "informed me as if" in professional or academic writing to maintain a higher degree of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "told me like" in formal writing. Its informal nature can detract from the credibility and professionalism of your writing. Opt for more formal alternatives in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "told me like" functions as an informal reporting clause, often used to emphasize the directness or bluntness of the information conveyed. Ludwig's examples show it in contexts where the speaker wants to highlight the candor of the communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "told me like" is an informal phrase used to emphasize the directness or bluntness of a statement. While grammatically acceptable in casual contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "said to me that" in professional or academic writing. Ludwig AI indicates it's commonly found in news and media, reflecting its conversational tone. Be mindful of your audience and purpose when using this phrase to ensure your communication is effective and appropriate. Remember that while acceptable, it's considered informal and context-dependent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

said to me in a direct manner

Emphasizes the directness of the communication.

related to me as it is

Highlights the unaltered and truthful conveyance of information.

informed me straightforwardly

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the message.

explained to me plainly

Underscores the simplicity and ease of understanding of the information.

described to me accurately

Highlights the precision and truthfulness of the depiction.

conveyed to me explicitly

Emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the communication.

communicated to me frankly

Stresses the honesty and openness of the message.

shared with me candidly

Highlights the sincerity and genuineness of the shared information.

expressed to me directly

Focuses on the absence of intermediaries or indirectness.

stated to me without embellishment

Emphasizes the lack of exaggeration or added detail.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "told me like"?

In formal contexts, you can replace "told me like" with phrases such as "said to me that", "explained to me", or "informed me" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it grammatically correct to use "told me like"?

While "told me like" is commonly used in spoken English, it is considered informal. It's grammatically acceptable in casual conversations but may not be appropriate for formal or academic writing.

How can I use "told me like" in a sentence?

You can use "told me like" to emphasize the directness or bluntness of a statement, as in, "She "told me like" it was, without sugarcoating anything."

What's the difference between "told me like" and "told me that"?

"Told me that" is a more standard and formal way of reporting what someone said. "Told me like" implies a more informal, conversational style and often suggests the speaker was direct or blunt. For example, someone may have "told me that" the project was delayed, but they "told me like" it was a disaster.