Cool MateLike this vs Something like this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Like this
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Something like this
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Like thisMost common: Something like this
| Like this | Something like this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //laɪk ðɪs//🇺🇸 //laɪk ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //ˈsʌmθɪŋ laɪk ðɪs//🇺🇸 //ˈsʌmθɪŋ laɪk ðɪs// |
| Meaning | To agree with or enjoy something. | An expression used to refer to a similar idea or thing. |
| Example | I really like this new restaurant downtown. | I want to buy something like this for my room. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | like this one, like this idea, do it like this | show something like this, want something like this, create something like this |
| Common mistakes | Using 'like this' without a clear reference., Confusing it with 'such as' in formal writing., Overusing in professional settings. | Using 'this' instead of 'something like this' for clarity., Omitting the context when it’s needed for understanding., Using it too formally in academic or professional settings. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations to express agreement or approval. May not be appropriate in very formal contexts. | This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation to indicate similarity or to provide an example. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Like this vs Something like this
What's the difference between Like this and Something like this?
Like this: To agree with or enjoy something. Something like this: An expression used to refer to a similar idea or thing.
Which is more formal: Like this and Something like this?
Like this is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Like this and Something like this?
Something like this is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Like this: I really like this new restaurant downtown. Something like this: I want to buy something like this for my room.
Can I use Like this and Something like this interchangeably?
Not always. Like this and Something like this are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.