like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It is often used to introduce examples, comparisons, or to express a similarity. Example: "There are many fruits that are high in vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries."

✓ 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 clarity by placing it before the items you're illustrating. For instance, "There are many fruits that are high in vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries."

Common error

While "like" is acceptable in informal speech as a filler word, overuse can diminish the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Reduce reliance on it by pausing to think or rephrasing your sentences.

Linguistic Context

The word "like" serves multiple grammatical functions. Primarily, it functions as a preposition to indicate similarity, as an adverb to mean "likely", and as a conjunction. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile nature, showing usage in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Lifestyle

16%

Sports

7%

Less common in

The Economist

3%

Travel

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "like" is a versatile term with varied grammatical roles, including preposition, adverb, and conjunction. It is frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, lifestyle, and sports. As Ludwig AI confirms, "like" functions to express similarity, introduce examples, and connect ideas. While its overuse as a filler should be avoided in formal writing, it remains a common and acceptable word in general communication. Use "like" thoughtfully to enhance clarity and avoid diminishing the strength of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

similar to

Expresses a resemblance or likeness, focusing on comparable characteristics.

in the same way as

Highlights the similarity in the process or method between two things.

such as

Indicates examples or instances of something, similar to one function of "like".

comparable to

Stresses that two things are similar enough to be compared.

as if

Implies a hypothetical scenario or a comparison to something else.

for instance

Introduces an example to illustrate a point, much like one use of "like".

akin to

Indicates a similarity or affinity, often used in more formal contexts.

reminiscent of

Suggests that something brings to mind a similar thing or experience.

in the manner of

Describes how something is done, emphasizing the method or style.

as

Can be used to make comparisons or indicate a role or function.

FAQs

How can I use "like" in a sentence?

"Like" can be used to express similarity, introduce examples, or as a filler word in informal speech. For example, "She sings "like an angel"" or "Fruits "like apples" and bananas are healthy".

What can I say instead of "like"?

Alternatives include "such as", "similar to", "as if", or "for example" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "like me" or "as I"?

Both can be correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Like me" is used for comparison (e.g., "He is tall, "like me""). "As I" is used when introducing a clause (e.g., "Do "as I say", not as I do").

What's the difference between "like" and "as"?

"Like" is typically used as a preposition to show similarity or comparison (e.g., "She looks "like her mother""). "As" can be a conjunction, adverb, or preposition, often indicating cause, time, or manner (e.g., "As I said, it's raining").