Like

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "like" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a preposition to indicate similarity, as a verb to indicate enjoyment or appreciation, or as an interjection to indicate agreement. Example: "I like tennis and I think you'd like it, too!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I don't like this".

The New York Times

"People tend to like a leader they feel is economically competent".

The Guardian

I believe that we have now obtained the balance between what in an ideal world we would like to do and what we can afford to do".

The Guardian

We would also like to thank the staff at the hospital who have been very accommodating, have been lovely to us and have protected our privacy".

The Guardian - Travel

She was there to do what she wanted to do and she did not fucking care if you like it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And I don't like that".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You don't like a particular policy or a particular president?" he said.

The New York Times

"He didn't like it.

The New York Times

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and pay our respects to the Elders past and present.

The Guardian

It will be all right as long as we talk about it openly and like adults.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For that, thank the Chinese regime's vice-like grip on its financial system.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Like" to introduce examples, ensure the examples are representative and clearly illustrate the point you are making.

Common error

Avoid using "Like" excessively as a filler word in speech or writing, as it can detract from the clarity and impact of your message. Instead, pause or rephrase your sentence to eliminate unnecessary "Like" instances.

Linguistic Context

The word "Like" functions as a versatile element in English, serving as a verb to express enjoyment or preference, a preposition to indicate similarity, an adverb to introduce examples, or even an interjection for emphasis. Ludwig confirms its multifaceted nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Like" is a remarkably versatile word in the English language, functioning as a verb, preposition, adverb, interjection, and even a conjunction. It commonly expresses preference, similarity, or the introduction of examples. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to avoid overuse as a filler word to maintain clarity and professionalism. Its usage is widespread, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports contexts, highlighting its adaptability across various registers. The examples found by Ludwig demonstrate the breadth of its applications in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Similar to

Substitutes "Like" in contexts emphasizing resemblance, providing a more formal tone.

Comparable to

Substitutes "Like" when drawing comparisons between two or more things.

Such as

Replaces "Like" when introducing examples, focusing on specification rather than general comparison.

Enjoy

Replaces "Like" when expressing pleasure or appreciation, focusing on positive feelings.

Appreciate

Similar to 'enjoy', replaces "Like" when expressing admiration or gratitude.

As if

Used instead of "Like" to indicate a resemblance or impression, often implying uncertainty.

Prefer

Substitutes "Like" when indicating a choice or inclination, highlighting a personal preference.

Love

A stronger substitute to "Like" when expressing deep affection or enjoyment.

In the manner of

A more formal alternative to "Like" when describing a method or style.

In accordance with

Replaces "Like" when indicating agreement or conformity to a standard or rule.

FAQs

How can I use "Like" in a sentence to show similarity?

You can use "Like" to show similarity by comparing two things that share characteristics, for example, "This tastes "like chicken"".

What's the difference between using "Like" and "As" for comparisons?

"Like" is a preposition used to compare nouns or pronouns, while "As" is a conjunction used to introduce clauses. For example, "He looks "like his father"" (preposition) vs. "He did "as his father did"" (conjunction).

What can I use instead of "I like it" to show preference?

You can use alternatives such as "I enjoy it", "I appreciate it", or "I love it" depending on the intensity of your preference.

Is it correct to use "Like" as a filler word in conversation?

While commonly used, "Like" as a filler word can be seen as informal or unprofessional. Consider using pauses or rephrasing to avoid overuse and maintain clarity.