Introducing the Many Ways to Use "Like"
For people learning English, "like" may be one of the most confusing words they come across. Sure, they probably understand its basic usage, but there are so many other ways it can be used, many of which aren't clearly understood by non-native speakers.
So let's take a long look at this simple word in order to provide simple explanations we can share with our students. Because it's such a common and versatile word, they'll definitely want to master it if they want to reach fluency.
Meanings and uses of “like” include:
“Enjoy” or “appreciate”
The simplest usage is as a verb for expressing enjoyment or appreciation of something. Basically, it's a weaker version of "love." Even beginner-level students are likely to be familiar with this.
Did you like the movie?
I really like the pasta at that restaurant.
My sister doesn't like dogs.
“Similar to ~”
Next, it can be a preposition used for comparing things in a variety of ways.
The weather in this city is just like in my hometown.
This shirt feels like wool.
My brother looks like a famous actor.
“In a similar way or manner“
It can also be used to describe how something is done.
Turn the handle like this.
He plays the guitar like a professional.
English isn't his first language, but he sounds like a native speaker.
Asking about something
In questions, it is used to ask for details about someone or something.
What's Kenya like?
What's it like being your own boss?
I haven't met her yet. What's she like?
Introducing examples
"Like" can mean "such as" or "for example."
We'll visit several cities during our tour, like Vancouver, Chicago, Toronto and New York.
I was inspired by artists like Kandinsky.
A
I saw some celebrities at that fancy new restaurant downtown.
B
Like who?
“As though ~”
This usage can be switched with "as though~" or "as if~" without changing the meaning.
This movie doesn't look like it was made by a student, but it was!
She looked like she was going to cry.
You look like you haven't slept in days!
I felt like a rock star when I stepped on the stage.
This is often used with figurative language.
Jesse runs like the wind.
Harry eats like a pig! Didn't he ever learn any manners?
To talk about wants and wishes
Use it to talk about desires.
I'd like to swim with the dolphins one day.
This usage is common in restaurants and when serving guests.
A
Are you ready to order? What would you like?
B
I'd like the steak, please. Medium rare.
Introducing reported speech
In informal English, "like" often comes before something someone else has said.
When Frank won the contest, he was like, "YES!"
When I told her what happened, she was like, "No way!"
Everybody was like, "What?"
Conversation filler
In very casual English, it is often used as a "filler" word that has no meaning at all. Instead, it acts as a way to fill the silence when the speaker doesn't know exactly what to say.
So, like, what are we gonna do today?
This style of speech is closely associated with "Valley girls," young women who typically live in parts of Southern California. It sometimes has a negative image, as many people think it makes the speaker sound unintelligent.
Noun uses
Students may already know that as a noun, a "like" is a kind of "point" on some social media platforms.
My post got over 300 likes on Instagram.
The campaign's success will be determined by how many likes and retweets it gets on social media.
But do they know it can also be a verb for the action of liking something?
Don't forget to like this video and subscribe to my channel!
Wrap-up
Many students may not realize that "like" is much more than a simple verb. Use this post as a guide to explain just how useful it can be in a variety of situations, both formal and casual.
Because it is so common, they will have many chances to practice using it in all of their English conversations. Encourage them to focus on getting comfortable with one usage before moving on to another.
