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What was it like

🇬🇧 UK //wɒt wəz ɪt laɪk// 🇺🇸 US //wɑt wəz ɪt laɪk//

Meaning of What was it like

A phrase used to ask about someone's experience.

In simple words: how was the experience

What was it like in a sentence

• What was it like to climb Mount Everest?
• Can you tell me what it was like at the concert?
• I wonder what it was like growing up in a big city.
• What was it like living abroad for a year?
• I'm curious, what was it like to meet him?

How to use What was it like

Use inquiring about experiences or impressions. Best for conversations and storytelling. Avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

what + be + it + like

Memory hint

Think of a movie review – you ask, 'What was it like?'

Related words

Collocations with What was it like

• what was it like to
• what was it like in
• what was it like for

Synonyms for What was it like

• how was it
• what was the experience
• describe it
• tell me about it

Common mistakes with What was it like

• Forgetting to use 'it' in the phrase.
• Using 'was' when talking about present experiences.
• Confusing it with 'how was it?'

Frequently asked questions about What was it like

What does What was it like mean?

how was the experience

What is the definition of What was it like?

A phrase used to ask about someone's experience.

How do you use What was it like in a sentence?

What was it like to climb Mount Everest?

Can you give another example of What was it like?

Can you tell me what it was like at the concert?

What are synonyms for What was it like?

Common alternatives include how was it, what was the experience, describe it, tell me about it.

What words go with What was it like?

It commonly pairs with what was it like to, what was it like in, what was it like for.

What are common mistakes when using What was it like?

Forgetting to use 'it' in the phrase. Using 'was' when talking about present experiences. Confusing it with 'how was it?'

How do you pronounce What was it like?

US: //wɑt wəz ɪt laɪk//, UK: //wɒt wəz ɪt laɪk//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use What was it like?

Use inquiring about experiences or impressions. Best for conversations and storytelling. Avoid in very formal writing.