How to Use "Like"…Like a Native Speaker
Most students learn the basic meaning of "like" early in their English study.
But this simple word can be used in many more ways, in both casual and formal situations. Native speakers use it many times every day, and each use may mean something very different.
If you want to become a fluent English speaker yourself, you'll need to know these other uses as well, so let's take a look.
To express enjoyment and satisfaction
This is one of the most basic uses of "like." Think of it as a weaker version of "love."
- I really like the pasta at that restaurant.
- Did you like the movie?
- My sister doesn't like dogs.
“Similar to”
Next, "like" can be a preposition used for comparing things.
- The weather in this city is just like in my hometown.
- This shirt feels like wool.
- My brother looks like a famous actor. People sometimes ask for his autograph!
“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 on our tour, like Vancouver, Chicago and Toronto.
- I was inspired by artists like Basquiat.
A
I saw some celebrities at that fancy new restaurant downtown.
B
Like who?
“As though”
"Like" can be switched with "as though~" or "as if~" without changing the meaning.
- She sounded like she was going to cry.
- You look like you haven't slept in days!
- This movie doesn't seem like it was made by a student, but it was!
This usage is often combined 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 what someone wants or wishes for.
- 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.
To introduce 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?"
As conversation “filler”
In very casual English, it is often used as a "filler" word that has no meaning at all. Instead, it fills 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 connected to "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
Of course, as a noun, a "like" is a kind of "point" on social media platforms. This use is often matched with an image of a thumbs-up, showing agreement or approval.
- My post got over 300 likes.
- The campaign's success will be determined by how many likes and retweets it gets.
Related article: What "K" and "M" Mean of Social Media
This usage can also be a verb for the action of liking something.
- Don't forget to like this video and subscribe to my channel!
"Like" can also simply refer to something that someone enjoys.
- Tell me about your likes and dislikes.
Wrap-Up
"Like" is much more than a simple verb. As you can see, it is useful in many kinds of situations, both formal and very casual.
Once you can use it comfortably one way, move on to the next usage until all of them are natural to you. If you want to practice in a real conversation, book a lesson with an Engoo tutor!
