which is like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which is like" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a comparison between two things. For example, "Cooking is a passion of mine, which is like a source of endless creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which is like, sick.

Vice

The hierarchy receives inputs from Gabor-like filters (which is like VisNet).

Biological Cybernetics

Which is like saying darker than Noddy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And a Leatherman, which is like a Swiss Army knife.

The New York Times

"Which is like a magic trick to me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Which is, like, the only song he knows.

The Guardian

Which is like my only NFL strategy: Always defer.

The Guardian - Sport

Tells about the French concept of "Laicity," which is like the American separation of church & state.

The New Yorker

"Kenneth and the team have done something which is like ancient Greek drama.

Independent

It did have dial-up access, which is like having no Internet at all.

The New York Times

My favorite new reference app is the World, which is like Google Earth, only better.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is like" to draw analogies or comparisons between familiar and unfamiliar concepts to aid understanding.

Common error

While acceptable in informal contexts, avoid excessive use of "which is like" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated comparative language like "analogous to" or "comparable to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is like" functions as a relative clause introducing a comparison or analogy. It connects a concept to something more familiar to aid understanding, as seen in examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "which is like" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to draw comparisons and analogies. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to simplify complex concepts by relating them to more familiar ones. While versatile, it's more appropriate for neutral to informal contexts, with its heaviest presence in news media and online wikis. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives such as "analogous to" or "similar to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much like

A simpler, more direct way of indicating similarity.

that is similar to

Focuses on similarity rather than direct equivalence.

akin to

A more formal and concise way of saying similar to.

comparable to

Highlights the comparability of two things.

reminiscent of

Suggests a similarity that evokes a memory or feeling.

in the same way as

Emphasizes the manner in which two things are alike.

analogous to

Implies a deeper, more structural similarity.

just as

Highlights a parallel or correspondence between two things.

similar to the way that

Emphasizes the similarity in the process or method.

functions as

Focuses on the functional similarity between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "which is like" in a sentence?

"Which is like" is used to draw a comparison or analogy. For instance, "A solid-state drive (SSD), "which is like" a giant memory card, helps with battery life."

What are some alternatives to "which is like"?

Alternatives include "similar to", "akin to", or "comparable to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "which is like" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "which is like" may be too informal for strict academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "analogous to" or "functions as" in such contexts.

What's the difference between "which is like" and "such as"?

"Which is like" draws a comparison or analogy, while "such as" introduces examples. For instance, "A moshav, "which is like" a cooperative," is a comparison. "Fruits such as apples and bananas" provides examples.