Such As vs. Like: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 9, 2024
Such As is used to introduce specific examples within a category. Like is used to introduce a comparison or similarity.
Key Differences
'Such As' is typically used to introduce specific examples or instances, particularly when listing elements within a category. 'Like', on the other hand, is often used to suggest similarity or comparison, not necessarily limited to exact examples.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
When using 'Such As', the intention is to clarify or illustrate with precise examples, indicating a direct inclusion in a group or category. In contrast, 'Like' indicates a resemblance or likeness, which may include broader comparisons or analogies.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
'Such As' is commonly found in more formal or academic writing when precision is needed. Conversely, 'Like' is used in both formal and informal contexts, offering a more general comparison.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
In terms of grammar, 'Such As' precedes specific nouns or noun phrases, directly relating them to the discussed subject. 'Like', however, can be used more flexibly, serving as a preposition, conjunction, or even as a colloquial filler.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Examples with 'Such As' typically do not imply similarity but rather provide clear instances. 'Like', in its examples, often introduces scenarios or subjects that share characteristics or attributes, but are not exact matches.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Introduces specific examples within a category.
Suggests similarity or comparison.
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Jan 09, 2024
Context
Often used in formal or academic writing for precision.
Used in both formal and informal contexts for general comparisons.
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Jan 09, 2024
Grammatical Function
Precedes specific nouns or noun phrases.
Serves as a preposition, conjunction, or colloquial filler.
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Jan 09, 2024
Implication
Direct inclusion in a group or category.
Resemblance or likeness, not necessarily exact.
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Jan 09, 2024
Example Nature
Provides clear, direct instances.
Introduces scenarios with shared characteristics.
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Jan 09, 2024
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Such As and Like Definitions
Such As
Used to clarify with instances.
He enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking.
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Dec 19, 2023
Like
Indicating a typical example.
In sports like basketball and football, teamwork is essential.
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Dec 19, 2023
Such As
Specifying particular items in a category.
Several countries, such as France and Italy, are known for their wines.
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Dec 19, 2023
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
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Dec 13, 2023
Such As
Indicating direct examples.
The museum features ancient artifacts, such as pottery and jewelry.
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Dec 19, 2023
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Such As
Enumerating specific elements.
She studies languages, such as Spanish and Mandarin.
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Dec 19, 2023
Such As
Introducing specific examples.
There are many types of citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons.
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Dec 19, 2023
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
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Dec 13, 2023
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?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
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.
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
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Dec 13, 2023
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
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Dec 13, 2023
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
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
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Dec 13, 2023
Like
Suggesting similarity or resemblance.
His singing voice is like that of a professional.
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Dec 19, 2023
Like
Used for comparisons.
She runs like the wind, effortlessly and swiftly.
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Dec 19, 2023
Like
Expressing a resemblance.
The sky at dusk was like a canvas painted with vibrant colors.
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Dec 19, 2023
Like
Serving as a colloquial filler.
She was like, really excited about the concert.
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Dec 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
xWhat is the primary use of 'Such As'?
'Such As' is primarily used to introduce specific examples within a category.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can 'Such As' start a sentence?
Typically, 'Such As' is not used to start a sentence; it follows a noun or phrase.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
What punctuation follows "such as" in a sentence?
Typically, a comma follows "such as" when it introduces examples.
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Jan 09, 2024
How is 'Like' different from 'Such As'?
'Like' is used for suggesting similarity or comparison, not necessarily for exact examples.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can 'Like' and 'Such As' be used interchangeably?
No, they have different purposes: 'Such As' for specific examples, 'Like' for comparisons.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is 'Such As' more formal than 'Like'?
'Such As' is often more formal, especially in academic or precise contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
How does 'Like' function grammatically?
'Like' can function as a preposition, conjunction, or colloquial filler in sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is there a difference between "such as" and "including"?
"Such as" and "including" are similar but "including" is often more comprehensive and inclusive.
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Jan 09, 2024
Is "such as" always followed by a noun or can it be followed by a verb?
"Such as" is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can "such as" be used to list multiple examples in a sentence?
Yes, "such as" can be used to list multiple examples within the same sentence.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can "such as" be used to refer to people and things?
Yes, "such as" can be used to refer to both people and things.
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Jan 09, 2024
Can "like" be used to compare people or abstract concepts?
Yes, "like" can be used to compare people, things, or abstract concepts.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Is 'Like' appropriate for academic writing?
'Like' can be used in academic writing, but carefully, mainly for comparisons.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can "like" be used to introduce a list of examples?
While it's less common, "like" can be used to introduce a list of examples in informal language.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can 'Such As' be used in informal writing?
Yes, 'Such As' can be used informally, though it's more common in formal writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Can "like" be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, "like" can be used to start a sentence, but it's more common in casual conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
Does "like" require a comma after it when used for comparisons?
A comma is often used after "like" when it introduces a comparison.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
What are some synonyms for "like" when used for comparisons?
Synonyms for "like" in comparisons include "similar to," "resembling," and "akin to."
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 09, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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