Like vs. Such As — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 20, 2023
"Like" suggests similarity or resemblance, while "Such As" introduces specific examples.
Difference Between Like and Such As
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Like" and "Such As" are both comparison tools in the English language. While Like often implies a similarity or resemblance without being specific, Such As typically introduces specific examples representative of a general category.
When using Like, one often indicates a broader comparison, suggesting two things are alike in some way. Such As, however, narrows the focus, providing specific instances or examples of the discussed subject.
An essential distinction between Like and Such As lies in their usage. "She sings like a bird" uses Like to convey a general similarity in singing style. In contrast, "Fruits, such as apples and oranges, are nutritious," uses Such As to pinpoint specific types of fruits.
Overuse or misuse of either Like or Such As can lead to ambiguity. Like might not give a clear idea if the examples are included or excluded in a comparison. On the other hand, Such As is more definitive, emphasizing the inclusion of the mentioned examples.
To summarize, while Like provides a sense of resemblance, Such As is more direct and specific, pointing to concrete instances or examples.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Suggests similarity or resemblance.
Introduces specific examples.
Specificity
General comparison.
Direct and specific.
Example Usage
"She sings like a bird."
"Fruits, such as apples and oranges, are nutritious."
Ambiguity
Might be ambiguous if examples are included or excluded.
More definitive, emphasizes inclusion.
Grammatical Role
Preposition.
Introductory phrase.
Compare with Definitions
Like
Used in similes.
Clear as crystal, cold like ice.
Such As
Specific instances representing a category.
Desserts, such as cakes and pies, are loved by many.
Like
Having the characteristics of.
Behaving like a child.
Such As
Of a kind that.
Problems such as we've experienced.
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
Such As
Used to indicate a particular category.
Species such as the African elephant are endangered.
Like
To want to have
I would like some coffee.
Such As
For example.
Citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, are sour.
Like
To prefer
How would you like your coffee—with sugar or without?.
Such As
To introduce specific examples.
Many countries, such as France and Spain, produce wine.
Like
To feel about; regard
How do you like these new theater seats?.
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
Like
To perform well under (a given condition) or using (a given feature)
This car does not like cold weather. The engine does not like enriched fuel.
Like
(Archaic) To be pleasing to.
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
Like
(Scots) To be pleased.
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
Like
Often likes(Informal) An equivalent or similar person or thing; an equal or match
I've never seen the likes of this before. We'll never see his like again.
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
Like
In the typical manner of
It's not like you to take offense.
Like
In the same way as
Lived like royalty.
Like
Inclined or disposed to
Felt like running away.
Like
As if the probability exists for
Looks like a bad year for farmers.
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
Like
(Informal) Probably; likely
Like as not she'll change her mind.
Like
Nearly; approximately
The price is more like 1,000 dollars.
Like
(Nonstandard) Used to provide emphasis or to focus attention on something
Let's like talk about this for a minute. It's like so crowded you can't move.
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
Like
As if
It looks like we'll finish on time.
Like
To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.
I like hamburgers.
I like skiing in winter.
I like the Seattle Mariners this season.
Like
To please.
Like
(obsolete) To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.
Like
To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.
I like to go to the dentist every six months.
She likes to keep herself physically fit.
We like to keep one around the office just in case.
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
Like
To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.
I really like Sandra but don't know how to tell her.
Like
(obsolete) To liken; to compare.
Like
To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.
I liked my friend's last status on Facebook.
I can't stand Bloggs' tomato ketchup, but I liked it on Facebook so I could enter a competition.
Like
(with 'would' and in certain other phrases) To want, desire. See also would like.
Would you like a cigarette?
We could go to the museum if you like.
I don't like to disturb him when he's working.
Like
To accept as an input.
We were frustrated that our seeming innocent choice for a team name was rejected by the censor. Apparently somewhere in the name is a word that the censor doesn’t like.
Like
To be likely.
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
Like
(sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.
There were bowls full of sweets, chocolates and the like.
It was something the likes of which I had never seen before.
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
Like
Likely; probable.
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
Like
Likely.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like
(colloquial) As, the way.
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
Like
Similar to, reminiscent of
Like
Typical of
It would be just like Achilles to be sulking in his tent.
Like
Approximating
Popcorn costs something like $10 dollars at the movies.
Like
In the manner of, similarly to
He doesn't act like a president.
Like
Such as
It's for websites like Wikipedia.
Like
As if there would be
It looks like a hot summer in Europe.
Like
Used to ask for a description or opinion of someone or something
I hear she has a new boyfriend. What's he like?
What's the weather like in Ürümqi today?
Like
Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance, qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to; similar; alike; - often with in and the particulars of the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features, complexion, and many traits of character.
'T is as like youAs cherry is to cherry.
Like master, like man.
He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
Like
Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.
More clergymen were impoverished by the late war than ever in the like space before.
Like
Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.
But it is like the jolly world about us will scoff at the paradox of these practices.
Many were not easy to be governed, nor like to conform themselves to strict rules.
Like
Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a walk.
Had like to have been my utter overthrow.
Ramona had like to have said the literal truth, . . . but recollected herself in time.
Like
That which is equal or similar to another; the counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.
He was a man, take him for all in all,I shall not look upon his like again.
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
Like
In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do not act like him.
He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Like
Likely; probably.
Like
To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.
Cornwall him liked best, therefore he chose there.
I willingly confess that it likes me much better when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am bound to seek it in an ill-favored creature.
Like
To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to take satisfaction in; to enjoy.
He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking to loving.
Like
To liken; to compare.
Like me to the peasant boys of France.
Like
To be pleased; to choose.
He may either go or stay, as he best likes.
Like
To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
You like well, and bear your years very well.
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
Like
Be fond of;
I like my nephews
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
Like
Want to have;
I'd like a beer now!
Like
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
Like
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Like
Similar to; resembling.
He looks like his father.
Like
In the manner of.
She dances like a professional.
Like
Approximately.
It cost like fifty dollars.
Common Curiosities
Can "Such As" be used to list examples?
Yes, "Such As" is typically used to introduce specific examples.
Can I use "Like" and "Such As" interchangeably?
Not always. The context and intended meaning will determine the most appropriate choice.
Is "Such As" limited to introducing examples?
Mostly, but it can also emphasize a particular type or category.
Is "Such As" more formal than "Like"?
Not necessarily, but "Such As" can be more precise in its reference.
How does "Like" function in a sentence?
"Like" typically functions as a preposition indicating similarity.
Can "Like" introduce a list?
While "Like" suggests resemblance, it's not the best choice for introducing a list. "Such As" is better suited.
Can "Such As" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, it can be used to introduce examples, e.g., "Animals, such as lions, live in the wild."
When should I use "Like"?
Use "Like" when suggesting a resemblance or similarity without specifying examples.
Is "Like" more general than "Such As"?
Yes, "Like" often indicates a broader comparison, while "Such As" is more direct.
Can I use "Like" to mean "similar to"?
Yes, "Like" can mean "similar to" or "resembling."
Does "Like" always require a comparison?
Most often, "Like" is used in contexts of comparison or resemblance.
Can "Like" and "Such As" be used in formal writing?
Both can be used in formal writing, but clarity is essential. Ensure your choice conveys the intended meaning.
Can "Such As" start a sentence?
While less common, it can, e.g., "Such as these examples, there are many ways to illustrate a point."
Is "Like" used in similes?
Yes, "Like" is often used in similes, e.g., "Bright like the sun."
Does "Such As" always require specific examples following it?
Typically, "Such As" introduces specific examples, so it's expected to be followed by them.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
