“Like” is one of the most commonly used words in English – and when you’re new to learning the language, it can be a bit of a confusing one, as it has so many different meanings!
In fact – did you know that there are actually five different ways to use the word “like”? Phew! Sounds like hard work.
You might hear it a lot in everyday spoken English – especially as it has become very popular to use colloquially. But if you’re not sure on how to use this word correctly, then read on to find out.
Like – to enjoy
One of the most common ways that you’ll hear the word “like” is as a verb – “to like”.
This is a verb used to express the fact that you enjoy something, and it can be used just like many other verbs in English.
For example: “I like walking to work, but she liked to drive instead.”
Nice and simple!
Would like – to request something
“Like” can also be used as an alternative to the verb, “to want”, in a form that is considered less aggressive and demanding, and more polite. You would use the word with the modal verb, “would”, and you always need to use the full phrase “would like”.
For example: “She would like to place her order now.”
Be like – to describe the characteristics of something
This is when the uses of “like” start to get a bit more complex. In this use, the word is used to describe the personality, character or particular traits of something.
In this case it is used with the verb “to be”. If you are using it in the past tense, only the main part of the verb “to be” is changed, and the word “like” stays the same.
For example: “What was he really like?”
Like – as a simile
Developing from the previous use of the word, “like” is often used as a simile – or a comparison with something else, in order to describe something.
Sounds confusing? Let’s take a look at an example!
“The bedroom was like a disaster zone.”
In a simile, you still need to use the verb “to be” with the word “like”, but instead of describing the actual characteristics, you can use something else – which might be drastically different.
For example: “She was nervous and shaky, like a mouse.”
This is a great way of adding a bit more personality into your spoken English, but you would not use similes very often in written English, unless you are writing creatively.
Look like – describing appearances
The last common use of the word “like” is to describe experiences. This is done through the verb “to look like”. You can use this just as in the previous examples when you used the form “to be like”. In this case, the part of the phrase that changes according to tense and subject is “look”, while the word “like” stays the same.
For example: “I look like a really messy person, while she looks like a celebrity!”
Your turn
Understanding how the word “like” is used in different contexts and forms is a really helpful way to build on your English skills – make sure you practice each of the five uses as much as you can!
A Grammatical Analysis for Children
The word like serves as seven of the parts of speech. The only function it doesn’t serve? It isn’t a pronoun. But it does cover the other seven.
Like as a Verb
If your children ask about the correct meaning of like, point out that it serves as a verb, all by itself. Your children can say, “I like waffles” or “I would like another serving.”
Like as a Preposition
Point out that it also serves as a preposition and in that capacity hooks nouns to sentences. Your children can say, “He runs like the wind.”
Indeed, go ahead and point out that to be can join like if they truly want to show what something or somebody was like.
Thus the commercial “I want to be like Mike” has its grammar in order.
So does “He was like a father to me.”
But virtually everyone addicted to the like word uses it to show not what something is like but what something actually is. They use it to show identity (is), not similarity (like): He’s like tall. Well, is he or isn’t he?
Like as a Noun
You can also point out that like serves as a noun, as in likes and dislikes.
Like as an Adjective
The word spans almost all parts of speech and can serve as an adjective (she mastered lacrosse, field hockey, and like sports).
Like as an Adverb
Informally, like can serve as an adverb (the tree is more like 100 than 50 feet).
Like as a Conjunction
Here we stir up a hornet’s nest. According to some sources, the word like can also act as a subordinating conjunction.
Charles Darwin wrote in 1866: “Unfortunately few have observed like you have done.” New Fowler, p. 458.
Consider the words of Random House:
Like as a conjunction meaning “as, in the same way as” (Many shoppers study the food ads like brokers study market reports) or “as if” (It looks like it will rain) has been used for nearly 500 years and by many distinguished literary and intellectual figures. Since the mid-19th century there have been objections, often vehement, to these uses. Nevertheless, such uses are almost universal today in all but the most formal speech and writing. In extremely careful speech and in much formal writing, as, as if, and as though are more commonly used than like: The commanding general accepted full responsibility for the incident, as any professional soldier would. Many of the Greenwich Village bohemians lived as if (or as though) there were no tomorrow. Random House, p. 1114.
Other sources fervently disagree with this loose approach. Mr. Fowler himself minced no words:
Every illiterate person uses this construction daily . . . . New Fowler, p. 458.
The Oxford English Dictionary notes that examples of the use of like as a conjunction do appear in the works of “many recent writers of standing” but also points out that such use is “generally condemned as vulgar or slovenly . . . .” Quoted in New Fowler, p. 458.
Click page 2 below ….
Like as a Conjunction: Four Uses
New Fowler examined the works of leading writers in England, America, and other countries, and identified four situations where they use like as a conjunction:
1. The If you knew Susie Exception: Repeat the Verb
In the subordinate clause, writers often repeat the verb appearing in the main clause. They introduce the subordinate clause with like:
I need a new car like I need a hole in the head. —E. Good, 2001.
If you knew Susie like I know Susie . . . .
New Fowler’s Comment: “[This construction] must surely escape further censure or reproach.”
The following examples and comments appear in New Fowler, p. 458.
2. To Replace As If or As Though
It looks like it’s still a fox. —New Yorker, 1986.
3. The Like I said Exception
Substitutes for as in “fixed, somewhat jocular, phrases of saying and telling . . . .”
Like you say, you’re a dead woman. —M. Wesley, 1983.
4. To Make Comparisons
Used in the same way as “in the manner (that)” or “in the way (that).”
How was I to know she’d turn out like she did? —C. Burns, 1985.
As a budding grammarian, you should know of this battle. At Bubba’s you can easily get away with like as a conjunction. But in formal settings—the faculty lounge, scholarly writing (and talking), your master’s thesis—you should use the traditional conjunctions as, as if, and as though. In the words of New Fowler:
It would appear that in many kinds of written and spoken English like as a conjunction is struggling towards acceptable standard or neutral ground. It is not there yet. But the distributional patterns suggest that the long-standing resistance to this omnipresent little word is beginning to crumble. New Fowler, p. 459.
Hello, guys! Today I’m going to tell you about one of the most interesting words in the English language: the word LIKE.
Do you know how we can use LIKE? What part of speech is it? What functions can it have?
Let’s begin with a quote that I really like:
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” (Maya Angelou)
Do you agree with Maya?
So, in this quote, what is the meaning of LIKE? Can you replace it with another word?
Yes, you can. We can say “if you don’t love,” or “If you don’t enjoy”, or “if you’re not fond of”, or “if you’re not keen on” etc. So in this sentence LIKE is a verb which shows preference.
I like swimming, I like dogs, I don’t like rap music. 
- What do you like?
- What do you dislike?
Let’s look at this picture. “Would you like some tea?”
This woman is asking the man if he wants tea.
So when we talk about what we want or when we ask someone what they want, we can use “would like”.
Would you like to do an exercise on this topic? =)
I really like this song. It is “Help” by The Beatles. Take a break, listen to this great song!
“We can help you, if you like.”
What does “if you like” mean? We use “
if you like
” when we offer our help, or when we suggest something.
We can go to the movies, if you like. (if you like = if you want to do this).
Look at this girl! She’s as graceful as a swan. She dances like a goddess.
What does LIKE mean here? She dances like a goddess.
It means in a similar way, happening in the same way as something else.
What can we say if a man eats too much and too fast?
We can say that he eats like a horse, in the same way as a horse.
Here, like is used as a preposition.
From the Wikipedia article on Keira Knightley, famous English actress: “Knightley was cast in the role due to her close resemblance to Portman; even the two actresses’ mothers had difficulty telling their daughters apart when the girls were in full makeup.”
Can you tell which picture (left or right) shows Keira Knightley and which one shows Natalie Portman?
You’re right, Portman is on the left and Knightley is on the right.
They look like each other, don’t they? Knightley was hired because she looks like Portman.
“Look like someone” means that people have similar appearance. We can also say that two people look alike. We can also use taste, feel, sound, smell with this meaning.
For example: «Your perfume smells like my boyfriend’s! It feels like I just saw him».
We can use “look like” and “feel like” with a more idiomatic meaning.
Compare:
- She looks like my mother.
- It looks like Sasha is late again.
In which sentence is “look like” used idiomatically? Yep, in the second one. In the first sentence we’re talking about outward appearance, about eyes, skin, hair color. In the second sentence we mean “it seems that” when we say “it looks like”.
Compare:
- I feel like he’s here.
- I feel like singing a song.
In the first sentence, I actually feel as if he’s here, I feel that he’s here, even if he’s not here.
In the second sentence, I want to sing a song, I feel like singing a song. In this case “feel like doing something” is idiomatic.
What do you feel like doing right now?
I love big cities like New York! Just listen to this song from Frank Sinatra — New York, New York
Do you want to visit big cities like New York?
What does “like” mean in this sentence? Here, we use it to give an example. I can say “I love big cities, such as NY.” It will mean the same thing.
Do you often eat fruits like apples, bananas and berries?
Have you seen the new Les Misérables musical? What’s it like? I want to watch it, but I don’t know if I’ll like it.
So what did I want you to tell me when I said “What’s it like?”
I wanted to hear your opinion about it; I wanted you to tell me what you thought of it. So when we ask someone to describe something or give their opinion, we can ask “What is it like?”
By the way, Les Miserables is a REALLY great film, you should watch it!
So we can use like in these cases:
| to like = to enjoy, to think something is nice | I like fresh coffee, what do you like? |
| would like – to ask what someone wants | What would you like to eat? |
| if you like – to suggest or offer something | I’ll help you, if you like. |
| to do something like someone – to do something in the same way | She dresses like a princess! |
| to look like someone, sound like, feel like, taste like = similar to something | You look like me! |
| it looks like… = it seems that | It looks like he is late again. |
| to feel like doing something = to want to do this right now | I feel like going to sleep. |
| like = for example, such as | Big cities like London are very expensive. |
| What… like? – to ask someone for their opinion | What is she like? Is she nice? |
There are also some more uses of like.
Like can be used as a noun: likes and dislikes. For example: «My friend and I have the same likes and dislikes».
Likes and dislikes are the things you like and don’t like.
What are your likes and dislikes?
We can use “like” as part of an adjective, as the suffix. For example: «This portrait is very lifelike. Who painted it? «
Some of these adjectives are:
- Childlike (like a child)
- Ladylike (like a lady)
- Catlike (like a cat)
- Lifelike (the same as in life)
Do you know childlike adults?
I also wanted to tell you about this English saying: Like father, like son. What do you think it means?
This photo can help you figure it out.
And now check your understanding with the help of these exercises:
- Match the question and the answer: http://absolutenglish-972.pagesperso-orange.fr/notes/grammar/like/like.htm
- You have the answer, write the question: http://absolutenglish-972.pagesperso-orange.fr/notes/grammar/like/like2.htm
- What part of speech is “like” in this sentence?: http://absolutenglish-972.pagesperso-orange.fr/notes/grammar/like/likeprep.htm
- Fill in the gaps in the conversation: http://absolutenglish-972.pagesperso-orange.fr/notes/grammar/like/like3.htm
Good luck! Hope you like this blog =)
Ми розглянули правила та приклади використання слова like в англійській мові. Щоб дізнатися більше про англійську граматику, читайте інші публікації в розділі Grammar!
The word like exhibits several different grammatical properties. It can be used as a preposition, a conjunction, an adjective or an adverb.
Like as a preposition
When used as a preposition, like is followed by a noun.
- She looks like her mother.
- He walks like his dad.
Like as a conjunction
In informal English, like is sometimes used as a conjunction instead of as. This is very common in American English.
- Nobody understands her like I do. (Informal)
- Nobody understands her as I do. (Formal)
Like
If you are like somebody you are similar to him or her.
- She is like her mother.
- It was a small bird like a sparrow. (= The bird was similar to a sparrow.)
- She was like her brother. They were both excellent writers.
- No one can play the piano like he does.
Like can be used with the modifiers just and very.
- My neighbour has bought a new car just like mine.
- He is very like his brother in many ways.
We can use like after the copular verbs seem, look, sound, smell, taste and feel. As is not usually possible in this case.
- She seems like a good candidate for the job. (NOT She seems as a good candidate for the job.)
- He looks like his brother. (NOT He looks as his brother.)
Feel like
Feel can be followed by like or as if / though.
- She felt like she was in a dream. (= She felt as if she was in a dream.)
Feel like can also mean ‘want’ or ‘would like’.
- I feel like singing. (= I want to sing.)
Like new
If something is like new, it looks like it is new.
- They just applied a coat of paint and the house was like new.
The word like can be confusing for students since it has many different meanings in English. Here are five of its common uses:
Five ways to use ‘like’
Like = enjoy
I like coffee
To be + like = describe personality/characteristics
What is he like?
Like = the same as
This Coke tastes like Pepsi
Would like = want
I’d like a hamburger please
Look like = appearance
What does he look like?
‘Like’ Phrases
Before doing the exercise, can you guess what the correct ‘like’ sentence would be in these ten examples. Remember, you must use ‘like’!
1. A: What ___?
B: It’s beautiful in summer and there are a lot of famous beaches.
2. A: What ___?
B: I like English. It’s an amazing language.
3. A: ___?
B: Yes please.
4. A: What ___ tomorrow?
B: I think it’s going to be rainy and cold unfortunately.
5. A: What ___?
B: He’s tall and a little fat. I think he’s handsome.
6. A: What ___?
B: It’s very spicy and strong
7. A: I ___
B: Yes you do, you could be twins!
8. A: What ___?
B: She’s very friendly and sweet.
9. A: What ___?
B: It was amazing! I want to go back.
10. A: I ___
B: Yes me too. I also like them.
Use the ten sentences above Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Good luck!
- 1 — A: What ___? B: It’s beautiful in summer and there are a lot of famous beaches.
does Rio like
would Rio like
is Rio like - 2 — A: What ___? B: I like English. It’s an amazing language.
language would you like
does the language look like
language do you like - 3 — A: ___? B: Yes please.
Would you like some coffee
Do you like coffee
What is coffee like - 4. — A: What ___ tomorrow? B: I think it’s going to be rainy and cold unfortunately.
will the weather look like
will the weather like
will the weather be like - 5. — A: What ___? B: He’s tall and a little fat. I think he’s handsome.
is your husband like
would your husband like
does your husband look like - 6. A: What ___? B: It’s very spicy and strong
would you like some curry
do you like curry
is curry like - 7. A: I ___. B: Yes you do, you could be twins!
look like my sister
like my sister
am like my sister - 8. A: What ___? B: She’s very friendly and sweet.
does she like
is she like
does she look like - 9. A: What ___? B: It was amazing! I want to go back.
is your holiday like
would you like a holiday
was your holiday like - 10. A: I ___. B: Yes me too. I also like them.
would like a Ferrari
like Ferraris
am like a Ferrari
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Do you ever wonder when to properly use “as” and when to use “like?” They sound similar, but they have different meanings. And often, they get lost in translation when moving from speech to formal writing. I’ve seen it happen so many times, especially with new writers. In my guide, I’ll discuss the difference between these two words and give some examples so you can learn to use them properly.
As vs. Like
In English grammar and more formal writing, the word “like” is almost often employed as a preposition to explain how, where, or when the action described by the noun in the phrase is taking place. The basic grammar rule is that the word “as” is a conjunction that joins two clauses together.
When to Use As
The best way to remember the proper usage in sentences for “as” is to think about whether or not you’re trying to join two clauses in the English language.
Examples:
- You’re as pretty as I remember.
- You don’t have to cook much food as I won’t be joining you for dinner.
When to Use Like
“Like” is used to compare two things, but is usually followed by a noun or a pronoun.
Examples with a direct comparison:
- These lights are bright, like the sun.
- I want to go on a safari, but I’m scared of animals like lions and tigers.
- This new ice cream is like the old one but sweeter.
When to Use Like Instead of As
We often use “like” to compare two things or two people.
For example:
- You look just like my sister.
- This new bar is like the one on 5th Avenue.
In this situation, it would be wrong to use “as.” The sentences would sound something like this:
- You look just as my sister.
- This new bar is as the one on 5th Avenue.
The last two sentences are very clearly incorrect.
When to Use As Instead of Like
We use “as” in sentences where it could be replaced with “the way.”
For example:
- You treated him as you should.
- You treated him the way you should.
Like and As a Metaphor
The words “like” and “as” are common figures of speech used to describe similarities between two different things. These seemingly innocuous words can have a powerful impact, lending depth and nuance to our writing.
For example, when taken literally, the phrase “as fast as lightning” suggests lightning moves at a certain speed. But by using these words as metaphors, we can get at a more abstract idea – that lightning moves quickly and without warning.
Similarly, comparing an angry person to a raging storm adds emotional intensity to our writing and conveys the sense that their anger is uncontrolled and chaotic.
Thus, we can see that “like” and “as” are much more than simple connectors; they are valuable tools for evoking vivid imagery in our writing and giving it greater emotional power. In short, these small words have immense expressive potential, making them an invaluable part of any writer’s toolbox.
Should I Use Like or As If?
You want to use “like” before a noun or a pronoun. “As” or “as if” are usually followed by a subject and a verb.
Let’s look at some examples:
- I love the new Givenchy perfume. It smells like cotton candy.
- She keeps repeating the same things as if I don’t know them already.
What Does Not Use Like or As?
Avoid using “like” or “as” when talking or writing in metaphors.
A metaphor is a literary device often used to express ideas or experiences in vivid and memorable ways. Specifically, it describes one thing by referring to another similar thing, using language suggesting the two things are connected in some way.
For example, if you wanted to say that someone was “strong as an ox,” you would use a metaphor to describe their physical strength by drawing an analogy with the legendary strength of this animal.
Metaphors can be used greatly in poetry and other forms of literature, allowing writers to create vivid imagery and use colorful language to engage readers and better convey their message.
Here are some metaphors that don’t use the words “like” or “as”:
- You have the memory of an elephant.
- I’m an early bird.
In the first example, we want to say someone has a really good memory, but we don’t use a simile and say, “you have good memory like an elephant.”
A metaphor is a word or statement saying one thing IS like another thing.
Can We Use As and Like Together?
There are always exceptions when breaking grammar rules, but you can’t use “like” and “as” together. But one can replace the other to convey the same thought if you change the structure of a sentence.
Let’s exemplify:
- You smell as good as a rose does.
- You smell good, like a rose.
Notice how these sentences express the same thought, but we had to change their structure depending on whether we used “like” or “as.”
Like vs. As – Simple Rules to Know
While seemingly similar, “as” and “like” have two different meanings.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind:
- Use like when comparing two people or things.
- Use like when comparing behavior or appearance.
- Use as in formal speech and writing.
Other Uses of the Word As
There are other instances where the word “as” can fit into speech and writing.
As a Connecting Word
“As” can be used to connect two ideas or sentences. For instance:
- Everything happened as you said it would.
- Leave the table as it is. I’ll clean it up later.
When Talking About a Job or Function
“As” is also employed when discussing a job or a function. For example:
- As president, his main focus was to create more jobs and decrease unemployment.
- As CEO, you are responsible for ensuring people are happy with their jobs.
When Paired with an Adjective
You can also use “as” paired with an adjective. Here are some examples:
- You are as beautiful as I imagined.
- As entertaining as this is, I have to get going.
Other Uses of the Word Like
The word “like” also has more than one use, so let’s look at other situations where you might encounter it.
When Giving Examples
A common use for the word “like” is when giving examples. Here is how to use it:
- Chamomile tea can be bitter, but you can sweeten it with something like sugar or honey.
- Why can’t you be more like your sister?
As a Preposition
When using “like” as a preposition, it’s usually followed by a noun. For example:
- I am nothing like my sister.
- You smell like roses.
As a Verb
Perhaps the most common use for the word “like” is in its verb form. For instance:
- Would they like to join us for dinner?
- I like strawberries best out of all fruits.
The Bottom Line
Once you consistently look at examples, knowing when to use “as” and “like” becomes pretty natural. “As” is commonly employed when joining two clauses, while “like” is used as a preposition with a noun or a pronoun. Now, practice what I taught you with my handy worksheet!
Like has a number of meanings and uses.
Like as a verb meaning ‘enjoy’
We use like to talk about things or people which we enjoy or feel positive about:
like + noun phrase
I like Sarah but I don’t like her brother much.
Do you like pasta?
She really likes the singing of Luciano Pavarotti.
like + -ing
I like swimming before breakfast.
He likes telling jokes.
like + to-infinitive
She likes to go and see her parents at the weekend.
I don’t like to cycle in the dark.
He likes his friends to call him Hank.
Do you think she would like us to bring some chocolates or flowers?
like + wh-clause
I don’t like what he did.
We liked how they cooked the fish.
Would like in offers and requests
We use would like or ’d like to offer something to someone in a polite way or to ask them to do something politely (requests), or politely to say what we want. We use the to-infinitive form of verbs that follow:
Would you like another coffee?
Would you like to watch a DVD?
[At a fast food restaurant]
B:
I’d like a cheese burger and fries please.
[In an email to a company that has advertised a job]
… I’d like to enquire about the Sales Manager position which you have advertised …
Would you like to follow me, please? (Please follow me)
Like as a preposition meaning ‘similar to’
Like means ‘similar to’. We often use it with verbs of the senses such as look, sound, feel, taste, seem:
My sister is like my mother. (My sister and my mother are similar)
I think this tastes like coconut.
That looks like Marco’s car.
He seems like a nice man.
When we use like to mean ‘similar to’, we can put words and phrase such as a bit, just, very, so and more before it to talk about the degree of similarity:
It’s a bit like skiing but there’s no snow.
Isn’t that just like the bike we bought you for your birthday?
That smells very like garlic.
The car was more like a green than a blue colour.
Like as a conjunction
In informal contexts, we can use like as a conjunction instead of as. Traditional grammar books consider this use of like incorrect:
Like any good cook book will tell you, don’t let the milk boil. (or As any good cook book …)
Like as a suffix
We can use like as a suffix at the end of a noun to mean ‘similar to’:
There is something child-like about Marianne. She always seems so innocent.
Like in spoken English
In informal speaking, you will hear like used very commonly. It has a number of functions. It is important not to use these forms in formal writing such as academic essays.
Filler
We can use like to fill in the silence when we need time to think about what to say next or how to rephrase what we have just said:
I want to … like … I think we need to think carefully about it. It’s … like … it’s a very difficult decision for us to make.
Focusing attention
We can use like to bring attention to what we are going to say next. We do this especially when talking about quantities and times:
There were like five hundred guests at the wedding. (like brings focus to the large number of guests)
It wasn’t till like 12:00 that I actually got to start on the project. (like brings focus to how late it was)
Asking for an example (Like what?)
In speaking, we often use like what? to ask for an example:
A:
Some really funny things happened on the last day of school.
B:
Funny things? Like what?
It can also be used to ask a question, meaning ‘similar to what?’:
[talking about a new restaurant]
A:
There was kangaroo steak on the menu. I decided to try it.
A:
Yeah. It actually tasted good.
A:
I don’t know. Like steak but softer.
Softening what has just been said
We can use like at the end of what we say to modify or soften what we have just said especially if we are not sure if it was the right thing to say:
[A and B are talking about B’s holiday]
A:
So did you buy anything there?
B:
No. It was too expensive, like.
I hated the film. It was very violent, like.
Reported speech
It has become common in very informal speaking to use like as a reporting verb. It can be used to report what someone said or what someone thought. It is used especially by young people, and it makes what is reported sound more dramatic:
Jason was like ‘I’m not going to Alma’s party because Chris is going to be there’ and I’m like ‘he’s so afraid of Chris’. (in the first use of like, it means ‘he said’, but in the second use it means ‘I thought’)
Saying something is like something else
We can use the structure it + be + like to introduce an example or say that something is similar to something else:
It’s like when you go to the airport and you keep thinking that you have forgotten something important.
[a woman talking about her husband Bob]
Everyone is always saying hello to Bob. It’s like being married to a superstar!
Be like or what is … like?
We can use be like to ask for a description of someone or something (e.g. their appearance, their character, their behaviour):
What’s your new apartment like?
Not: How is your new apartment like?
Be like or look like?
We use be like to talk about someone’s character or personality. We use look like to talk about someone’s appearance:
A:
What’s your new boss like?
B:
She’s nice. She’s very professional.
Not: She’s like a very professional person.
A:
What does your father look like?
B:
He’s very like me but taller and older!
Compare
|
What is his personality like? Is he nice? |
|
What is his appearance like? Is he handsome? |