# sound like sb/sth

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sound-like-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to seem like a particular person or thing because of what you hear or read.

For teachers: to convey a specific impression or identity through auditory cues or written tone; functions as a copular-like phrasal verb followed by a noun phrase.

## Examples

- That sounds like a great idea.
- You sound like your father when you talk about politics.
- The initial reports sound like a classic case of corporate mismanagement, though we must wait for the full audit before drawing conclusions.

## Pitfalls

- Not "It sounds like funly." but "It sounds like fun." — the preposition 'like' must be followed by a noun or a noun phrase, not an adverb.

## Usage notes

- the object can be a person, a thing, or an entire situation described by a noun.
- Teaching tip: distinguish between the literal auditory sense (hearing a voice) and the figurative sense (evaluating an idea or situation based on a description).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.