Using "Like" for Similarity (Not Just for Liking Things!)

Do you like pizza? 🍕 Or are you like pizza? 🤔
One of these sentences makes sense. The other one… well, not so much.

The word “like” is small but mighty. Many English learners first learn it to talk about things they enjoy:

• “I like sushi.”

• “She likes movies.”

• “They like soccer.”

But did you know that like is also used in a completely different way — to describe similarity? Let’s dive in!

1. "Like" for Enjoyment (the easy one)

We use like + noun/verb to talk about things we enjoy.

• ✅ I like pizza.

• ✅ He likes swimming.

• ✅ They like listening to music.

This use is very common and usually easy to understand.

⚠️ Just remember:

• We say “I like to swim” or “I like swimming” — both are correct.

• But we don’t use like in continuous for general preferences:

  • ✅ I like sushi.

  • ❌ I am liking sushi.

2. "Like" for Similarity

Now, here’s where it gets interesting!
When like means similar to, the sentence changes completely.

👉 Structure: noun/pronoun + verb + like + noun/pronoun

Examples:

• “He runs like a cheetah.” 🐆

• “This soup tastes like chicken.” 🍲

• “She looks like her sister.” 👭

• “It feels like silk.” ✨

Here, like is not about enjoyment — it’s about describing similarity or comparison.

👉 Structure 2: I am + adjective + like + person
Use this to compare your personality, habits, or appearance to someone else.

• “I am stubborn like my mother.”

• “I am kind like my father.”

• “I am tall like my sister.”

💡 Tip: This is a great way to talk about similarities in character or looks.

3. Practice Time ✨

Now it’s your turn! Write two types of sentences using like:

1. Enjoyment → Talk about something you enjoy.

   • Example: “I like reading books.”

   • Example: “I like eating sushi.”

2. Similarity → Compare yourself to someone you know.

   • Example: “I am stubborn like my mother.”

   • Example: “I am kind like my father.”

   • Example: “I am tall like my sister.”

💡 Extra Challenge:

• Write one sentence comparing yourself to a family member.

• Write one sentence comparing yourself to a friend.

• Write one sentence comparing yourself to a famous person or character! (Example: “I am brave like Harry Potter.”)

👉 Want to practice more? Share your sentences with us on Instagram [@kohaku_english_online] — we’d love to read your stories and maybe share them!