Like

I'm sure you all have heard 'like' a lot, but are you familiar with all its functions? We'll learn all about it in this lesson.

'Like' is pretty common in the English language. It can be a verb, an adverb, a preposition, a conjunction, and a noun. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Like'

'Like' as a Verb

One of the main functions of 'like' is to be a verbs. Below, we are going to analyze all its uses and meanings:

'Like' as the Main Verb

'Like' can be the main verb in the sentence. It is a transitive verb and it always needs an object. Look below for more clarification:

When we approve of something, we use 'like' to discuss it:

Jenny likes to play tennis in the evening.

Here, it shows that this person enjoys doing something.

Hannah and I like your new short hairstyle.

When we like someone on a social media platform, we enjoy what they have posted:

Some of us want that specific person to like our posts.

All my friends have liked my post.

When we want to make a request politely, we use it:

I'd like to order a pepperoni pizza and a Cesar salad and a coke, please.

The girl said that she liked to have a seat beside the window.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'like' is the main verb here, it mainly comes after the subject. Remember to always have the direct object after it. It can be a nouns, a noun phrase, an infinitive, etc. Look:

Not all girls like to wear skirts and sandals.

That child likes black ice cream.

'Like' as a Preposition

As stated above, 'like' can also be a preposition. Below, we are going to analyze the different prepositions it can be:

'Like' as a Preposition of Manner

'Like' is a preposition of manner. It can be used with verbs like 'taste', 'feel', 'seem', 'be', etc. It is used when we want to show similarity. Look below:

His car looks like mine, don't you think?

This cake tastes like an orange.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'like' is a preposition here, it mainly comes after verbs like 'taste', 'feel', 'smell', 'be', etc., and before a noun or a noun phrase. Look below:

No Pasta tastes like my mom's.

That book looks like this magical one.

'Like' as a Conjunction

'Like' can also be a conjunction. Below, we are going to learn about the different kinds of conjunctions it can be:

Use

'Like' as a Subordinating Conjunction

'Like' can be used to connect a subordinate clause to an independent one. So, we call it a subordinating conjunction. It means 'as'. Look below for more clarification:

Like what I said, there's no going back now.

Like any other music teacher will tell you, I will help you play the guitar beautifully.

'Like' as an Adverb

'Like' can also be an adverbs. Below, we are going to see the different kinds of adverbs it can be:

Use

'Like' as an Adverb of Manner

'Like' can also be an adverb of manner. Below, we are going to analyze all its meanings and uses. Look:

When we want to show how we feel, we use 'like'. Note that we use it only in informal spoken English:

When she said that, I was like, so hurt.

My cat fell off the window and at first I was like, completely shocked.

Again in spoken English, when we want to pause or emphasize what we are saying, we use 'like':

I mean, like, still being with him doesn't really sound like a good idea to me.

Anna is, like, really obsessed with this girl.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'like' is an adverbs here, it mainly comes before the thing we want to emphasize or before the feeling we want to talk about. It mainly comes between two commas. Look:

I mean, like, is she saying all this for real?

Those animals, like, rabbits and cows you mean?

'Like' as a Noun

'Like' can also be used as a nouns. Look below for more clarification:

Use

When we want to show similar things to a thing or person, we use 'like':

Rock, grunge rock, punk rock and the like are all popular musical genres in this era.

The likes of this book are mostly censored.

Position in a Sentence

Since 'like' is a nouns, we can use it as the subject, as object, or as the object of preposition. Below, you can see examples:

The likes of this type of music is not allowed in North Korea.

Marianne and the likes of her are so rude and insolent.

Idioms and Expressions with 'Like'

We have some idioms with 'like'. Below, we are going to learn all about them:

More like: When we want to show that something looks more appropriate than another:

It looks more like a dead cat.

To me it looks more like it's turning Western philosophy on its head.

More like it: When we want to show that something is better, we use this one. Please note that this one is used informally:

Now, this is more like it; big, delicious, American pizza.

What is someone like: When we want to show that we have done something foolish, we use it:

What is he like? He never acts his age.

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