what it's like

USAGE SUMMARY

'what it's like' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that you have experienced or heard about, as in the example sentence: "I've never been to London, so I don't know what it's like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's what it's like," he said, laughing.

The New York Times - Sports

You've got no bloody idea what it's like for us".

The Guardian

"You don't understand what it's like," Zubov said.

The New York Times

"They don't get what it's like for us".

The New York Times

That's what it's like, right?

Vice

I thought, she doesn't understand or care very much about what it's like for us.

BMC Nursing

They know what It's like, and they can help you.

WikiHow

Let's see what it's like".

The New York Times - Arts

Here's what it's like in Facebook's offices.

The New York Times

That's what it's like".

The New Yorker

Telling me what it's like.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what it's like" to describe subjective experiences or conditions, especially when offering insight or empathy. It's effective for making abstract concepts more relatable.

Common error

When using "what it's like", ensure the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what you're referring to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what it's like" functions as an interrogative or descriptive clause, often used to inquire about or explain the nature of an experience or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It allows for exploration of subjective states or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what it's like" is a versatile phrase used to explore and describe experiences, feelings, or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable in written English. Its function is primarily interrogative or descriptive, aiming to understand or convey the nature of something. Though generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "what it's like", ensure clear context to avoid vagueness and consider related phrases like "what it feels like" or "how it is" for alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what it feels like

Focuses more on the emotional or sensory experience rather than the general nature of something.

what it is like

A more formal and grammatically explicit version of the original phrase.

the nature of it

Emphasizes the inherent qualities or characteristics of something.

the reality of it

Highlights the actual or true state of affairs, often contrasting with expectations.

the experience of it

Directly refers to the act of undergoing something, focusing on personal involvement.

how it is

A simpler, more direct way of asking about or describing a situation.

what it resembles

Focuses on comparing the experience or situation to something else familiar.

the sensation of it

Highlights the sensory or emotional aspect of an experience.

the character of it

Emphasizes the distinctive qualities and attributes of something.

what one can expect

Focuses on anticipating or predicting the nature of a future experience.

FAQs

How can I use "what it's like" in a sentence?

You can use "what it's like" to inquire about or describe an experience, such as: "I wonder what it's like to live in Japan" or "He described what it's like to work as a firefighter".

What's a more formal way to say "what it's like"?

A more formal alternative to "what it's like" is "what it is like", which adds a slightly more explicit grammatical structure.

Can "what it's like" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "what it's like" is often used to make abstract concepts more relatable. For example, "The article explained what it's like to experience imposter syndrome".

What can I say instead of "what is it like"?

Alternatives include "what it feels like" (focusing on emotions), "the nature of it" (emphasizing characteristics), or "how it is" (a simpler, direct inquiry).