like
like — verb
1. to think that someone or something is nice, fun, or good in some way
to think that someone or something is nice, fun, or good in some way
Yasmin likes chocolate, especially dark chocolate with roasted almonds.
like + noun for objects of enjoyment
The children really like swimming at the public pool on hot days.
like + verb-ing for general enjoyment
Vikram likes to read science books before he goes to sleep each night.
Iker does not like cold weather, so he always wears a warm coat in winter.
Adina said she liked the Taiwanese film very much and wants to see it again.
- enjoy
stronger and more active than 'like'; suggests getting pleasure from the experience itself
- love
much stronger; expresses deep affection or enthusiasm
- be fond of
slightly more formal and often used for people or animals rather than activities
- be into
informal; suggests a strong, active interest in a particular topic or hobby
文法句型
like + noun/pronoun
like + verb-ing
like + to-infinitive
don't/doesn't like + noun/verb-ing/to-infinitive
用法筆記
Unlike stronger verbs such as 'love' or 'enjoy,' 'like' can express a mild to moderate level of approval. The -ing form often suggests general enjoyment ('I like swimming'), while the to-infinitive can refer to a specific choice or habit ('I like to swim before breakfast'). In standard English, both are correct for most situations.
常見錯誤
2. to press a small button on a social media website to tell the person who posted
to press a small button on a social media website to tell the person who posted it that you enjoy a photo, a comment, or a shared message
Omar liked every photo that Lien posted from her trip to the mountain.
like + noun (photo) on social media
More than two thousand people have liked the video since it was shared this morning.
passive: be liked by [many people]
If you like this page, you will see our new posts in your news feed.
Élise liked the charity's post and then shared it with her classmates.
文法句型
like + noun/pronoun (post, photo, video, comment)
用法筆記
The object is usually a social media post, photo, video, comment, or page. Different platforms use different icons for this action — Facebook and Instagram use a thumbs-up or heart symbol, but the verb 'like' is common across platforms.
3. a polite way to tell someone what you want to have or to do, using the verb 'wou
a polite way to tell someone what you want to have or to do, using the verb 'would' before 'like'
I would like a cup of tea with milk and sugar, please.
would like + noun for polite requests
Christopher said he would like to book a table for two people at eight o'clock.
would like + to-infinitive
Yumi asked her guests if they would like some more rice with the curry.
We would like to thank everyone who helped us organise the school event.
文法句型
would like + noun
would like + to-infinitive
question: would + subject + like + noun/to-infinitive
用法筆記
Always paired with 'would' ('I'd like…') to express a polite request. The contracted form 'I'd like' is very common in spoken English. Using 'like' alone ('I like a coffee') does NOT express a polite request — it means enjoyment (sense 1). Never use the -ing form after 'would like'.
常見錯誤
4. a polite way to ask someone to do something for you, using the verb 'would' befo
a polite way to ask someone to do something for you, using the verb 'would' before 'like' and mentioning the person you are asking
I would like you to help me wash the dishes after dinner tonight.
would like + object + to-infinitive
The manager would like all staff to arrive on time for the team meeting.
Would you like me to open the window before the lecture starts?
Beatrix would like her students to finish the homework by Friday morning.
文法句型
would like + object + to-infinitive
question: would + subject + like + object + to-infinitive
用法筆記
The structure 'would like + object + to-infinitive' asks someone to do something (sense 4), while 'would like + noun/to-infinitive' asks for something for yourself (sense 3). For example, 'I'd like you to go' (sense 4) vs. 'I'd like to go' (sense 3). Also used in offers: 'Would you like me to…?' is a polite way of offering help.
常見錯誤
like — noun
1. someone or something that shares important qualities with a person or thing alre
someone or something that shares important qualities with a person or thing already mentioned; usually appears in the fixed expression 'the like(s) of'
Liang's homemade noodles are so good; I have never tasted the like of them.
fixed phrase: the like of + pronoun
The old library had a calm feel that you rarely find the like of today.
Sahil is a musician whose like we rarely see in our town.
A storm of this severity — we have not seen the like in decades.
- counterpart
focuses on matching role or position, more formal
- equal
emphasizes same quality or level, often in ability
- sort
more general category, less idiomatic
文法句型
the like(s) of + noun/pronoun
用法筆記
Appears mainly in the fixed expressions 'the like(s) of', 'the like', or 'whose like'. Can refer to people, objects, or abstract ideas.
常見錯誤
2. used after a list of examples to show that other things of the same general type
used after a list of examples to show that other things of the same general type are also included; similar in meaning to 'and so on' or 'etc.'
The lunch menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and the like.
and the like — listing similar items
On weekends, Élise enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and the like with her friends.
and the like — listing similar activities
The stationery shop sells paper, pens, notebooks, and the like for students.
Older teenagers often spend money on clothes, music, and the like.
文法句型
[item1], [item2], and the like
用法筆記
Always appears as the fixed phrase 'and the like' at the end of a list. The items listed must be from the same general category. Compare with 'and so forth' — same function, slightly more formal.
3. the things that a person enjoys or prefers; used especially when talking about s
the things that a person enjoys or prefers; used especially when talking about someone's tastes or what they choose to do in their free time
The dating app asks new users to list their likes and dislikes.
likes and dislikes — common paired expression
Ezra's personal likes include jazz music and restoring old motorcycles.
personal likes — adjective + plural noun
The teacher encourages children to explore their own likes in art class.
When choosing a birthday gift, Allison considers her friend's likes carefully.
Bao's likes and dislikes have shifted a lot since she moved to the city.
- preferences
more formal, broader in meaning
- tastes
focuses on aesthetic or cultural choices
- dislikes
things one does not enjoy
文法句型
likes and dislikes
possessive + likes
用法筆記
Almost always used in plural form 'likes', frequently paired with 'dislikes' in the fixed expression 'likes and dislikes'. The singular form 'like' is not used for this meaning.
常見錯誤
4. used to say that something is too expensive, too exclusive, or otherwise unsuita
used to say that something is too expensive, too exclusive, or otherwise unsuitable for a particular kind of person, often suggesting a difference in social status
That expensive French restaurant is not for the likes of ordinary students.
not for the likes of — dismissive expression of suitability
Bao felt that the private golf club was not for the likes of him.
The designer shop on Main Street is too pricey for the likes of me.
Eshe's grandfather said such modern music was not for the likes of him.
- beneath
suggests something is below someone's dignity rather than above their reach
- suitable for
appropriate or fitting for someone
文法句型
not for the likes of + noun/pronoun
用法筆記
Frequently used in informal speech to express that something is above one's social or economic level. The speaker typically puts themselves or their group as the 'likes of' subject. Often carries a tone of self-deprecation or mild resentment.
5. an action on social media where you press a button to tell someone you enjoyed t
an action on social media where you press a button to tell someone you enjoyed their post or comment; often represented by a thumbs-up icon
Rodrigo's photo of the sunset from the beach received over two hundred likes.
receive + number + likes
Lauren clicked the like button on her friend's post about the trip.
The singer's new music video got a million likes in just one day.
William rarely gives a like to anything he sees on social media.
Mert's funny comment earned more likes than the original post.
文法句型
get/receive/earn + number + likes
click the like button
用法筆記
Countable noun — you can have hundreds or thousands of likes. The related verb sense is 'to like' (click the like button). Widely used across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) though the actual symbol may vary.
常見錯誤
like — adjective
1. sharing most features or qualities with another person or thing, without being i
sharing most features or qualities with another person or thing, without being identical.
Naoko and her cousin have like tastes in music, both loving jazz and bossa nova.
attributive: like + noun (tastes)
The community garden brings together people of like mind who care about local food.
fixed phrase: of like mind
The artist hung three paintings of like size along the gallery wall.
Bilal found two chairs of like design at the antique shop near his flat.
Doctors, nurses, therapists, and the like all work together in the rehabilitation centre.
- similar
the standard modern word; can be used both attributively and predicatively
- analogous
more formal; compares systems, structures, or processes
- comparable
suggests that two things can be evaluated side by side for similarities
文法句型
like + noun (attributive)
of like + noun
and the like (fixed phrase)
用法筆記
Unlike the preposition 'like', the adjective is rarely used predicatively in modern English. It occurs most naturally in attributive position before a noun or in fixed phrases such as 'of like mind' and 'and the like'.
常見錯誤
2. sharing the same opinions, interests, or goals as another person or group.
sharing the same opinions, interests, or goals as another person or group.
Élise enjoys spending weekends with like-minded friends who share her love of hiking.
attributive: like-minded + plural noun (friends)
The coding club brings together like-minded students who want to build mobile apps.
Sirin found like-minded travellers on the tour bus to the ancient ruins.
Lucía joined a writing group to find like-minded creatives who enjoy poetry.
- compatible
emphasises the ability to work or live together harmoniously
- congenial
suggests that the shared interests make interaction pleasant
- kindred
literary; implies a deep, almost instinctive connection
- incompatible
implies that the differences cause conflict or difficulty
- dissimilar
a neutral opposite, without the negative connotation
文法句型
like-minded + plural noun (people)
用法筆記
Almost always appears before a plural noun referring to people (friends, colleagues, students, travellers). The compound form 'like-minded' is far more common in modern English than the two-word form 'like minded'.
常見錯誤
3. having the same type of electrical or magnetic charge, so that two such objects
having the same type of electrical or magnetic charge, so that two such objects push each other away.
Like poles of two magnets always push each other away in a physics experiment.
technical: like poles / like charges
The science teacher showed how like charges make the plastic strips fly apart.
In the battery experiment, the two like terminals repelled each other strongly.
Nikhil learned that like magnetic poles never meet when you push two magnets together.
文法句型
like + noun (poles, charges)
用法筆記
Restricted to scientific contexts discussing electromagnetism. 'Like' here contrasts with 'unlike' (as in 'unlike poles attract'). The noun that follows is almost always plural.
4. probable or expected to happen, based on the available information — now used al
probable or expected to happen, based on the available information — now used almost exclusively in set phrases.
As like as not, the morning train will be delayed by fog in the valley.
fixed phrase: as like as not
Like enough, the little bakery sells out of bread by ten o'clock each morning.
fixed phrase: like enough
Andrei thought it was like enough the village would flood after the rain.
As like as not, the ferry will cancel its trip when the wind picks up.
- unlikely
the direct modern opposite
文法句型
as like as not (fixed phrase)
like enough (fixed phrase)
用法筆記
This sense is archaic or dialectal in most varieties of English. In modern writing, use 'likely' instead. The phrases 'as like as not' and 'like enough' survive as set expressions, primarily in British English.
常見錯誤
like — adjective combining form
1. used after a noun to form an adjective describing a person whose manner or behav
used after a noun to form an adjective describing a person whose manner or behaviour is typical of a particular group, or a place that has the comforting qualities associated with something.
During the board meeting, Marta presented her plan in a businesslike manner.
compound adjective: businesslike + manner (professional, efficient behaviour)
The cottage has a homelike warmth that makes guests feel they are visiting family.
Adisa showed sportsmanlike conduct by shaking hands with every player after the match.
Young Jude thanked the host with such polite, ladylike manners that everyone smiled.
Aoi wrote a workmanlike report that covered every detail without wasting a single word.
- -ish
a suffix with a similar function, but often carries negative connotations (childish vs childlike; womanish vs womanlike)
- -ly
forms adjectives from nouns (friendly, manly) but is less freely available for new coinages
- -esque
more formal and artistic; suggests a stylistic resemblance rather than manner or behaviour
文法句型
[noun]-like
用法筆記
This combining form is highly productive and can be used with most nouns, though it is most common with nouns naming roles and professions (business, sportsman, lady, workman). Unlike the preposition 'like', which takes a complement (like a child), this element attaches directly to the noun as a closed or hyphenated compound.
常見錯誤
like — adverb
1. In informal spoken English, this word is used to introduce the thoughts, feeling
In informal spoken English, this word is used to introduce the thoughts, feelings, or words a person had during a past event, before you actually say what those were.
When Antonia found out she passed the test, she was like, "Yes!"
be + like + direct speech for reporting a reaction
Emre was like, I have no idea what the teacher just said.
Obi was like, "This is the best pizza I have ever eaten!"
When the power went out, Talia was like, "What do we do now?"
Hoa was like, I can't believe we have to wait another hour.
文法句型
be + like + quoted speech / reported thought
用法筆記
Only appropriate in informal, spoken contexts. The words after 'like' can be exact quotes or a paraphrase of what you thought or felt. Do not use this sense in formal writing or academic essays.
常見錯誤
2. In casual speech, this word is used as a filler while you pause to think of what
In casual speech, this word is used as a filler while you pause to think of what to say next, or it is placed before an adjective or description to make the statement sound stronger.
The soup was, like, way too salty to finish.
like as a filler before an extreme adjective
Christopher was, like, the only person who knew the answer.
like + noun phrase for approximation
The dress is, like, super cute but way too expensive.
Yasmin was, like, totally shocked when she heard the news.
The hotel was, like, so far from the beach that we took taxis everywhere.
文法句型
like + adjective or adjective phrase
like + noun phrase for approximation
用法筆記
Common in casual conversation, especially among younger English speakers. Using 'like' as a filler more than once or twice per sentence can make the speaker sound uncertain. Avoid this use entirely in formal or written English.
常見錯誤
like — auxiliary verb
1. used before the main verb to say that something very nearly happened but did not
used before the main verb to say that something very nearly happened but did not actually happen
Christopher like to have tripped over the cables when the lights went out.
like + to have + past participle expressing 'nearly happened'
Nadia like to have screamed when a bat flew into her bedroom at midnight.
Anjali's grandfather like to have dropped the antique vase when the cat startled him.
The children like to have fallen into the pond while chasing a runaway ball.
Tariq like to have spilled hot soup on his new shirt at the dinner table.
文法句型
like + to have + past participle
用法筆記
Chiefly dialectal and informal. Expresses that an action very nearly happened but did not. Usually followed by 'to have' plus a past participle. In standard English, 'nearly' or 'almost' is used instead.
常見錯誤
like — conjunction
1. used like 'as if' or 'as though' before a clause that compares what you see, hea
used like 'as if' or 'as though' before a clause that compares what you see, hear, or feel to an imagined scene or situation — often suggests something appears to be happening but may not be certain
It looks like Rania has already finished packing her suitcase for the trip.
looks like + clause for describing appearance
The stew smells like Kabir added too much chilli powder this time.
When Ignacio heard the news, it felt like someone had just handed him a prize.
Wren sounded on the phone like she had been running through the rain.
It seems like the restaurant is closed for the holidays this week.
文法句型
like + clause describing sensory impression
用法筆記
Common with sensory verbs such as look, sound, feel, smell, and seem.
常見錯誤
2. used to compare two actions or situations by saying they happen in a similar man
used to compare two actions or situations by saying they happen in a similar manner
Nia plays the piano just like her grandmother did at the same age.
play (instrument) just like + clause comparing skill
The new accounting software works like the old system did but much faster.
You cannot treat a close friend like you treat a stranger and keep their trust.
In this coastal town, life continues like it has for many generations.
Xiu handled the upset customer like the training video showed her to.
文法句型
like + clause comparing similarity
用法筆記
Often used with 'just' for emphasis: 'just like' strengthens the comparison.
常見錯誤
3. used to introduce the specific method, instruction, or pattern that someone foll
used to introduce the specific method, instruction, or pattern that someone follows
Arrange the chairs like Ari showed us during the morning practice session.
imperative: arrange like + clause for demonstrating method
Lan decorated her small apartment like the magazine pictures recommended.
Michael trained the junior team like his own coach had trained him years ago.
Astrid cut the fabric like the sewing pattern instructed her to do.
The robot assembled the parts like the engineer programmed it to do.
- the way
interchangeable in most contexts; slightly more informal
- according to
more formal; used with rules or written instructions
文法句型
like + clause describing method or instruction
用法筆記
Frequently appears in instructions and commands where the speaker is showing someone how to do something.
常見錯誤
4. used in informal speech to introduce examples within a full clause, especially w
used in informal speech to introduce examples within a full clause, especially when listing two or more specific items that belong to a broader category
Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes grow well in cool climates.
like + noun phrase for giving examples
Like mangoes and berries, fresh fruit is a healthy choice for dessert.
fronted: 'Like [examples], [subject] [predicate]'
Team sports keep children active, like basketball and football.
Early-morning practice suits musicians like Layla and Kabir best.
Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can destroy entire communities.
- such as
more formal; standard in academic and business writing
- for instance
used at the beginning of a sentence rather than embedded
文法句型
like + noun phrase giving examples within a clause
用法筆記
Considered informal; in formal writing 'such as' is preferred over 'like' for introducing examples.
常見錯誤
like — preposition
1. used to say that one person or thing shares qualities, features, or appearance w
used to say that one person or thing shares qualities, features, or appearance with another person or thing
Sahil looks just like his father when he smiles.
like + noun phrase for personal comparison
This fabric feels like silk but costs much less.
feel like + noun for texture comparison
A city like Taipei has many night markets and busy streets.
Lara sings like a professional even though she is only twelve.
The cake tastes like the one my grandmother used to bake.
- similar to
more formal than 'like'; works in academic or professional writing
- resembling
used mainly for physical appearance; more formal and less common in everyday speech
- akin to
formal; describes a close connection or similarity in nature rather than appearance
- unlike
direct opposite; used to highlight differences
- different from
more common in everyday speech than 'unlike'
文法句型
like + noun/noun phrase for comparison
用法筆記
Commonly used after sensory verbs such as look, sound, feel, taste, and smell to make direct comparisons between two things.
常見錯誤
2. used with a sensory verb and a following clause to express what you infer or con
used with a sensory verb and a following clause to express what you infer or conclude from something you see, hear, or notice — the clause tells what the evidence points to
It sounds like Baraka is catching a cold from his voice.
sound like + clause indicating probability
The sky looks like it might rain this afternoon.
From the cheering, it felt like the team had already won.
Hugo's cough sounds like he needs to see a doctor soon.
The deal feels like it could fall apart at any moment.
文法句型
seem/look/sound + like + clause
用法筆記
Typically follows sensory verbs (look, sound, feel, seem) and takes a full clause. The subject is often the dummy 'it' or a concrete noun (sky, voice, noise).
常見錯誤
3. used to show that a particular action or quality matches what is expected of a c
used to show that a particular action or quality matches what is expected of a certain person or thing
It is just like Quan to arrive early and help set up the chairs.
it is just like + person + to-infinitive
It is not like Layla to forget someone's birthday.
This cold, rainy weather is just like spring in this part of the island.
That sort of patience is so like her grandfather.
Getting lost on a walk is very like Esteban when he tries a new route.
- typical of
more formal and explicit; works in any register
- characteristic of
formal; often used in writing about personalities or group traits
- unlike
used to say something is not typical of someone: 'It is unlike him to be late.'
文法句型
it is (just) like + person + to-infinitive
it is not like + person + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Very common in the fixed expressions 'it is (just) like [someone] to [do something]' and 'it is not like [someone] to [do something]'. Without these patterns, 'of' may replace 'like' in formal writing (e.g. 'typical of').
常見錯誤
4. used before a noun or noun phrase that gives an example of the type of thing you
used before a noun or noun phrase that gives an example of the type of thing you are talking about
Hugo enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and swimming.
like + noun phrase examples after a category noun
Many fruits like oranges and apples are rich in vitamins.
They visited several European cities like Paris and Berlin.
Noor prefers team sports like basketball and volleyball over individual ones.
Some animals like bears and hedgehogs sleep through the whole winter.
- such as
more formal; preferred in academic and professional writing
- for example
conjunction, not a preposition; introduces a full example sentence rather than a noun phrase
文法句型
[category noun] + like + [example noun phrase(s)]
用法筆記
In formal or academic writing, 'such as' or 'for example' is often preferred. 'Like' is more common in everyday speech and informal writing when giving examples.
常見錯誤
like — suffix
1. used at the end of a noun to make an adjective that compares a thing's physical
used at the end of a noun to make an adjective that compares a thing's physical appearance, sound, or texture to that noun — for example, describing a voice as 'bell-like' (clear and ringing), or fabric as 'velvet-like' (soft and smooth). Unlike the adjective combining form '-like', which describes behaviour or character (businesslike), this suffix focuses on sensory resemblance.
Her singing had a bell-like quality that filled the whole hall.
suffix attached to noun (bell-like)
The new sofa has a soft, velvet-like surface that feels very smooth.
The Watanabe garden is park-like, with large trees and winding paths.
His childlike sense of wonder made every trip to the museum exciting.
Tariq painted a lifelike portrait of Mayor Tanaka using only charcoal.
- -ish
often adds a rougher or more approximate quality (girlish versus girllike); -ish can also carry a negative tone.
- -ly
forms adjectives from nouns with a similar function (friendly, manly), but -ly has different historical origins and is less freely productive.
- -esque
suggests an artistic or stylised resemblance (picturesque, Kafkaesque); more formal and less common than -like.
文法句型
[noun] + -like
用法筆記
When the base noun is a short, common word (child, life), the suffix is usually written without a hyphen. With longer or less common nouns (velvet, park), a hyphen is more typical.