Using “Like” as a Preposition: Examples & Grammar Guide

Understanding the preposition “like” is crucial for constructing clear and accurate sentences in English. Often confused with the conjunction “as,” “like” has specific roles and limitations.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to using “like” as a preposition, covering its definition, structural rules, various usages, and common mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, mastering “like” will enhance your writing and speaking skills.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Like” as a Preposition
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types of Comparisons with “Like”
5. Expressing Similarity
6. Indicating Resemblance
7. Showing Approximation
8. Examples of “Like” in Sentences
9. Examples Expressing Similarity
10. Examples Indicating Resemblance
11. Examples Showing Approximation
12. Additional Examples with Varied Contexts
13. Usage Rules for “Like” as a Preposition
14. Formal vs. Informal Usage
15. Verbs Commonly Preceding Phrases with “Like”
16. Common Mistakes with “Like”
17. “Like” vs. “As”
18. “Like” vs. “Such As”
19. Practice Exercises
20. Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
21. Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
22. Exercise 3: Sentence Building
23. Advanced Topics
24. Nested Prepositional Phrases
25. Idiomatic Expressions with “Like”
26. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
27. Conclusion

Introduction

The word “like” is a versatile element in the English language, functioning as a verb, adjective, noun, and, most importantly for this discussion, a preposition. As a preposition, “like” introduces a phrase that compares one thing to another, highlighting similarities or resemblances.

Mastering the use of “like” as a preposition is essential for clear and precise communication. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of its usage, structure, and common pitfalls.

This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking to grasp the fundamental rules to advanced learners aiming to refine their understanding of nuanced usages. By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently use “like” as a preposition in various contexts, avoiding common errors and enhancing your overall fluency.

Definition of “Like” as a Preposition

As a preposition, “like” means similar to or in the same way as. It introduces a prepositional phrase that compares a noun or pronoun to another noun or pronoun. The key function of “like” is to draw a comparison, indicating a resemblance, similarity, or approximation between two distinct entities. It is crucial to remember that “like” as a preposition requires a noun or pronoun as its object; it cannot be followed by a clause.

In simpler terms, when “like” functions as a preposition, it sets up a comparison between two things. For example, in the sentence “She sings like an angel,” “like” compares her singing to the singing of an angel.

The phrase “like an angel” is a prepositional phrase with “like” as the preposition and “an angel” as the object of the preposition.

Structural Breakdown

The basic structure when using “like” as a preposition is as follows:

Subject + Verb + Like + Noun/Pronoun

Here’s a breakdown of each component:

• Subject: The person or thing performing the action.
• Verb: The action being performed.
• Like: The preposition indicating similarity.
• Noun/Pronoun: The object of the preposition, which the subject is being compared to.

For example, consider the sentence: “He runs like the wind.”

• Subject: He
• Verb: runs
• Like: preposition
• Noun: the wind (object of the preposition)

It’s important to note that the object of the preposition must be a noun or pronoun, not a clause. If you need to introduce a clause, you should typically use the conjunction “as.” This distinction is a common source of error for English language learners.

Types of Comparisons with “Like”

The preposition “like” is used to make different kinds of comparisons. Understanding these nuances can help you use “like” more effectively.

Here are some common types of comparisons made using “like”:

Expressing Similarity

This is the most common usage, where “like” indicates that two things share similar qualities or characteristics. This comparison focuses on shared attributes or ways of behaving.

Indicating Resemblance

Here, “like” suggests that two things look or seem alike. This type of comparison often focuses on appearance or outward characteristics, but can also apply to less tangible qualities.

Showing Approximation

In this case, “like” indicates that something is similar to a particular state or condition, but not exactly identical. It suggests a near or approximate match.

Examples of “Like” in Sentences

To further illustrate the usage of “like” as a preposition, let’s examine a variety of examples categorized by the type of comparison they express.

Examples Expressing Similarity

The following table provides examples of sentences where “like” is used to express similarity between two things. Notice how the comparison highlights shared characteristics or behaviors.

Sentence	Explanation
She dances like a professional.	Her dancing is similar to that of a professional dancer.
He eats like a horse.	He eats a large quantity of food, similar to how much a horse eats.
They fought like cats and dogs.	Their fighting was characterized by constant bickering and animosity.
The children behaved like angels.	The children’s behavior was exceptionally good and well-mannered.
The athlete trained like an Olympian.	The athlete’s training regimen was rigorous and dedicated, similar to that of an Olympian.
The car drives like a dream.	The car’s driving experience is smooth and effortless.
The singer sounds like Adele.	The singer’s voice is very similar to Adele’s.
He works like a machine.	He works tirelessly and efficiently, similar to a machine.
She studies like a scholar.	She studies diligently and thoroughly, like a dedicated scholar.
They celebrated like they had won the lottery.	Their celebration was exuberant and joyful, as if they had won the lottery.
The project felt like climbing Mount Everest.	The project was extremely challenging and difficult.
The news hit him like a ton of bricks.	The news was shocking and overwhelming.
He spent money like water.	He spent money freely and without much thought.
She slept like a log.	She slept very soundly and deeply.
The city never sleeps, like New York.	The city is always active, similar to New York.
He roared like a lion.	He made a loud, powerful roar.
She floated like a feather.	She moved lightly and gracefully.
The idea came to him like a bolt from the blue.	The idea came suddenly and unexpectedly.
He was as brave as a lion.	His bravery was remarkable.
She is as cunning as a fox.	Her cleverness is exceptional.
They are as thick as thieves.	Their friendship is very strong and close.
The two were as different as night and day.	Their differences are stark and pronounced.

Examples Indicating Resemblance

This table provides examples where “like” is used to indicate a physical or superficial resemblance between two things.

Sentence	Explanation
She looks like her mother.	Her physical appearance resembles her mother’s.
The house looks like a haunted mansion.	The house has the appearance of a haunted mansion.
This flower smells like roses.	The flower’s scent is similar to that of roses.
The fabric feels like silk.	The fabric’s texture is similar to silk.
The cloud looks like a dragon.	The cloud’s shape resembles a dragon.
He sounds like he has a cold.	His voice suggests he may have a cold.
The painting looks like a Monet.	The painting’s style resembles Monet’s.
This tastes like chicken.	The flavor is similar to that of chicken.
The car looks like it’s brand new.	The car’s appearance is similar to a brand new car.
The building looks like it’s about to collapse.	The building’s appearance suggests it is in a state of disrepair.
He dresses like a rock star.	His clothing style resembles that of a rock star.
She acts like a child.	Her behavior is similar to that of a child.
This wine tastes like grapes.	The wine’s flavor resembles grapes.
The music sounds like jazz.	The music’s style resembles jazz.
The room smells like lavender.	The room’s scent is similar to lavender.
The material feels like cotton.	The material’s texture resembles cotton.
The landscape looks like the moon.	The landscape’s appearance is similar to the moon.
He seems like a nice person.	His demeanor suggests he is a nice person.
She appears like she is tired.	Her appearance suggests she is fatigued.
The lake shimmers like diamonds.	The lake’s surface reflects light in a way that resembles diamonds.

Examples Showing Approximation

This table demonstrates sentences where “like” indicates an approximation or near resemblance to a particular state or condition.

Sentence	Explanation
It’s like midnight.	It’s approximately midnight, or very late at night.
It feels like summer.	The weather feels similar to summer.
It looks like rain.	The weather conditions suggest that it is likely to rain soon.
It sounds like a party.	The sounds suggest that there is a party happening.
It seems like a good idea.	The idea appears to be a good one.
It feels like yesterday we were here.	It seems as if only a short time has passed since we were last here.
It looks like the game is over.	The situation suggests that the game has likely ended.
It sounds like he’s angry.	His tone suggests that he is feeling angry.
It feels like a dream.	The experience feels surreal, similar to a dream.
It looks like she’s going to cry.	Her appearance suggests she is about to cry.
It seems like ages since we last met.	It feels like a long time has passed since our last meeting.
It looks like he’s lost.	His behavior suggests he is disoriented or lost.
It sounds like a good plan.	The plan seems promising.
It feels like a holiday.	The atmosphere is relaxed and festive, similar to a holiday.
It looks like something’s wrong.	The situation suggests there is a problem.
It sounds like he’s telling the truth.	His words suggest he is being honest.
It feels like coming home.	The place evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity.
It looks like a scene from a movie.	The view is dramatic and cinematic.
It seems like everyone is happy.	The general atmosphere suggests happiness.
It feels like a lifetime ago.	It seems like a very long time has passed.

Additional Examples with Varied Contexts

Here are some additional examples of “like” used as a preposition in various contexts, further illustrating its versatility.

Sentence	Explanation
He treats me like family.	He treats me as if I were a member of his family.
She handled the situation like a pro.	She dealt with the situation with skill and expertise.
They decorated the room like a palace.	The room was decorated lavishly and luxuriously.
He eats spaghetti like a toddler.	He eats spaghetti messily, like a young child.
She sings like a bird.	Her singing is beautiful and melodious.
The project was like a dream come true.	The project was incredibly fulfilling and positive.
He acted like nothing had happened.	He behaved as if there were no issues or problems.
She walked like she was on air.	She walked gracefully and lightly.
The experience felt like a movie.	The experience was dramatic and surreal.
He talks like a know-it-all.	He speaks as if he knows everything.
She dresses like a fashion icon.	Her clothing style is stylish and influential.
He drives like a maniac.	His driving is reckless and dangerous.
She argues like a lawyer.	Her arguments are well-reasoned and persuasive.
He runs like an athlete.	His running is fast and efficient.
She paints like an artist.	Her painting skills are skilled and artistic.
He dances like a performer.	His dancing is lively and expressive.
She cooks like a chef.	Her cooking is skilled and delicious.
He writes like an author.	His writing is creative and engaging.
She teaches like a professor.	Her teaching is informative and organized.
He leads like a general.	His leadership is strong and decisive.

Usage Rules for “Like” as a Preposition

Using “like” correctly involves adhering to specific rules. Understanding these rules will help you avoid common errors.

Formal vs. Informal Usage

In formal writing and speech, it’s generally preferred to use “as” or “such as” when introducing clauses or examples. “Like” is often considered more informal.

However, in everyday conversation and less formal writing, “like” is widely accepted and used as a preposition. Recognizing the context and audience is key to making the appropriate choice.

Verbs Commonly Preceding Phrases with “Like”

Certain verbs frequently precede phrases beginning with “like.” These verbs often involve perception, appearance, or behavior. Some common examples include:

• Look
• Seem
• Sound
• Feel
• Taste
• Act
• Behave

For instance, “It looks like rain” or “He acts like a child.” Recognizing these common verb patterns can aid in constructing natural-sounding sentences.

Common Mistakes with “Like”

Several common errors occur when using “like.” Understanding these mistakes can help you avoid them in your own writing and speaking.

“Like” vs. “As”

The most frequent mistake is using “like” in place of “as” when introducing a clause. Remember that “like” is a preposition and requires a noun or pronoun as its object, while “as” is a conjunction and introduces a clause.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He did like I told him.	He did as I told him.	“As I told him” is a clause, requiring the conjunction “as.”
She sings like she is a professional.	She sings as if she is a professional.	“She is a professional” is a clause, thus requiring “as if.”
Do like I do.	Do as I do.	“I do” is a clause, so “as” is correct.

“Like” vs. “Such As”

“Like” and “such as” are both used to give examples, but they have slightly different usages. “Like” means “similar to,” while “such as” means “for example.”

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
I enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges.	I enjoy fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges.	“Such as” is more appropriate when listing specific examples.
She likes animals such as cats and dogs.	She likes animals like cats and dogs.	Here, “like” suggests a similarity in preference, which is suitable, but “such as” would also be correct.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of “like” as a preposition with the following exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition, “like” or “as.”

Question	Answer
1. He runs ______ a cheetah.	like
2. Do ______ I say, not ______ I do.	as, as
3. She sings ______ an angel.	like
4. It feels ______ summer today.	like
5. He acted ______ nothing had happened.	as if
6. She looks ______ her mother.	like
7. It seems ______ a good idea.	like
8. They fought ______ cats and dogs.	like
9. He speaks ______ he knows everything.	as if
10. She dresses ______ a fashion icon.	like

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Correct the following sentences where “like” is used incorrectly.

Incorrect Sentence	Correct Sentence
1. He did like I asked him to.	He did as I asked him to.
2. She dances like she is a professional.	She dances as if she is a professional.
3. I enjoy fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges.	I enjoy fruits such as apples, bananas, and oranges.
4. He looks like he is tired.	He looks as if he is tired.
5. Do like I tell you.	Do as I tell you.
6. It sounds like it is raining.	It sounds as if it is raining.
7. She behaves like she is the boss.	She behaves as if she is the boss.
8. He acts like he doesn’t care.	He acts as if he doesn’t care.
9. They celebrated like they won the lottery.	They celebrated as if they had won the lottery.
10. She sings like she has a beautiful voice.	She sings as if she has a beautiful voice.

Exercise 3: Sentence Building

Create sentences using “like” as a preposition based on the given prompts.

Prompt	Example Sentence
1. Compare someone’s laugh to something.	Her laugh sounds like tinkling bells.
2. Describe how someone eats.	He eats like a starving man.
3. Describe how someone works.	She works like a busy bee.
4. Compare the feeling of a certain weather.	The air feels like silk on my skin.
5. Describe how someone runs.	He runs like the wind.
6. Compare someone’s voice to something.	Her voice is as smooth as velvet.
7. Describe how someone dresses.	He dresses like a rock star.
8. Compare the taste of a food to something.	The cake tastes like heaven.
9. Describe how someone sleeps.	She sleeps like a baby.
10. Compare the way someone handles a situation.	He handled the situation like a seasoned professional.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding more complex aspects of using “like” can further refine your skills.

Nested Prepositional Phrases

While less common, it’s possible to have prepositional phrases nested within other prepositional phrases. For example: “The painting, like a scene from a dream, captivated everyone.” Here, “like a scene from a dream” is a prepositional phrase modifying “painting,” and “from a dream” is nested within it.

Idiomatic Expressions with “Like”

English includes numerous idiomatic expressions that use “like.” These expressions often have meanings that are not immediately obvious from the individual words. Examples include: “like clockwork” (regularly and predictably), “like father, like son” (children often resemble their parents), and “like a fish out of water” (feeling uncomfortable or out of place).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about using “like” as a preposition.

1. When should I use “like” instead of “as”?
   Use “like” when you want to compare two nouns or pronouns. Use “as” when you want to introduce a clause (a subject and a verb). For example, “She sings like an angel” (nouns) versus “She sings as if she were an angel” (clause).
2. Is it incorrect to use “like” as a conjunction?
   Yes, in formal writing and speech, using “like” as a conjunction is generally considered incorrect. “As” or “as if” should be used instead to introduce clauses. However, in informal contexts, “like” is often used conversationally as a conjunction.
3. Can “like” be used at the beginning of a sentence?
   While grammatically possible, starting a formal sentence with “like” can sound informal. It’s generally better to restructure the sentence to avoid beginning with “like” in formal writing. For example, instead of “Like her mother, she enjoys reading,” you could say, “Similar to her mother, she enjoys reading.”
4. What’s the difference between “like” and “as if”?
   Both “like” and “as if” introduce a comparison, but “as if” always introduces a clause. “Like” compares two nouns or pronouns, while “as if” describes a hypothetical situation or manner. For example, “He looks like his father” (comparing two nouns) versus “He acts as if he owns the place” (describing a hypothetical situation).
5. How can I avoid using “like” incorrectly?
   Pay close attention to what follows “like.” If it’s a noun or pronoun, “like” is likely correct. If it’s a clause (a subject and a verb), you should use “as,” “as if,” or another appropriate conjunction. Reviewing examples and practicing sentence construction can also help.
6. Is using “like” too informal for academic writing?
   Yes, in most cases, using “like” in academic writing is considered too informal. To maintain a formal tone, opt for “such as,” “similar to,” “as,” or other more formal alternatives depending on the context.
7. Can “like” be used to introduce a list of examples?
   While “like” can introduce examples, “such as” is generally preferred for clarity and formality, especially when providing a specific list. “Like” implies similarity, while “such as” explicitly indicates examples.
8. Are there any exceptions to the rule that “like” should be followed by a noun or pronoun?
   Generally, no. The rule is quite consistent. If you find yourself wanting to follow “like” with a clause, that is a signal to use “as,” “as if,” or “as though” instead.

Conclusion

Mastering the use of “like” as a preposition is a valuable skill for any English language learner. By understanding its definition, structural rules, and common pitfalls, you can significantly improve your writing and speaking accuracy.

Remember to distinguish between “like” and “as,” and to choose the appropriate word based on the context and level of formality. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently and effectively use “like” in your everyday communication.

Continue to practice using “like” in different contexts to solidify your understanding. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in conversation and writing.

By consistently applying the principles outlined in this article, you will enhance your fluency and avoid common errors. Embrace the nuances of the English language, and keep practicing to achieve your language learning goals!