What is like? Pronunciation and usage in English

like means . Learn how to pronounce and use like through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of like

likepreposition/verb

/lʌɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of like

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "like" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

There are two main ways to pronounce "like," and they’re used in slightly different contexts:

1. /laɪk/ (like "light") – This is the most common pronunciation.

  • Break it down:

    • “li” is pronounced like the “lee” in “leave.”
    • “ke” is pronounced like the “kuh” in “bull.”
    • “-k” is a short, quick sound, almost like a barely-there 'k'.

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("li").

2. /laɪk/ (like "bike") – This is used when "like" means "similar to" or "as."

  • Break it down: This pronunciation is very similar to the first one. The only difference is it’s pronounced with slight less emphasis on the “li”.

Here's a helpful comparison and resources:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the 'k' sound. It's very soft.
  • Listen carefully to native speakers. Pay attention to how they place their tongue and mouth.
  • Record yourself and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what kind of sentences are you using "like"? (e.g., "I like ice cream," or "It’s like a dream?")

Usage and examples with the word like in English

Let's break down how to use "like" in English. It's one of the trickiest words because it has many different functions and meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (to resemble):

  • Meaning: To be similar to; to resemble.
  • Usage: This is the most traditional and often considered "correct" use.
  • Examples:
    • “He looks like his father.” (He resembles his father.)
    • “This cake tastes like chocolate.” (It’s similar to chocolate.)
    • “The weather is like a dream.” (It’s pleasant and beautiful.)

2. As a Conjunction (connecting clauses):

  • Meaning: This is where things get tricky! Here, “like” introduces a comparison or example. It’s used before the clause it introduces.
  • Usage: It’s becoming increasingly common, especially in informal speech, but it's still debated by grammar purists.
  • Examples:
    • “I enjoy reading, like you do.” (Like you do is adding an example – sharing a similar hobby)
    • “You can eat pizza, like pasta.” (Again, giving an example of something you can eat)
    • “She was happy when she got the job, like she’d won the lottery.” (Illustrating the level of her happiness)

3. As a Filler Word (Redundant "Like"):

  • Meaning: This is the most common and controversial use! It doesn't have a real grammatical function. Speakers use it to pause, think, or soften a statement. It's often (and unfairly) criticized as filler.
  • Usage: Very common in casual speech and informal writing. Overuse is generally frowned upon.
  • Examples:
    • “It was like, you know, really hot today.” (Pauses for thought; doesn’t add much meaning.)
    • “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh!’” (Mimicking speech; adds a casual tone.)
    • “He’s like, a really nice guy.” (Softening the description; not saying he’s just nice.)

4. As a Preposition (Less Common):

  • Meaning: In the manner of; in a way that.
  • Usage: Less frequently used now.
  • Examples:
    • “He sings like an angel.” (In the manner of an angel – beautifully.)
    • “She danced like a butterfly.” (In a light, graceful way.)

Important Notes & How to Avoid Overuse of the Filler “Like”:

  • It’s often perceived as informal. Use it carefully, especially in formal writing or speaking.
  • Overusing "like" as a filler word is the main criticism. Try to eliminate it.
  • Replace it with alternatives:
    • “Um”
    • “Well”
    • “You know”
    • “Actually”
    • Pause intentionally
    • Just be quiet! (Sometimes the best option)

Here's a quick table summarizing the different uses:

Use Meaning Example
Verb To resemble “It looks like rain.”
Conjunction Connecting clauses (comparison) “I like chocolate, like you do.”
Filler Word Pauses, softens statements “It was like, really hot.”
Preposition In the manner of “He sings like a bird.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you encountering "like" most often? (e.g., in spoken conversation, in writing, both?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re using “like” that you’d like me to analyze?

Synonyms for the word like

Idioms of the word like

more like…
used to give a number or an amount that is more accurate than one previously mentioned
  • He believes the figure should be more like $10 million.
more like (it)
better; more acceptable
  • This is more like it! Real food—not that canned muck.
used to give what you think is a better description of something
  • Just talking? Arguing more like it.
what is somebody like?
(British English, informal)used to say that somebody has done something annoying, silly, etc.
  • Oh, what am I like? I just completely forgot it.

Practice with vocabulary like

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's new policy is quite similar to its competitors', operating _______ a subscription model.
  2. Effective leaders often possess strong communication skills and emotional intelligence, _______ the ability to empathize.
  3. She has been working _______ a consultant for the firm for over five years, specializing in digital transformation.
  4. The team's performance feels _______ a major breakthrough is imminent after months of steady progress.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The CEO's announcement sounded _______ he was confident in the company's future despite recent challenges. A) as if B) like C) though D) similar to

  2. Modern technologies, _______ artificial intelligence and machine learning, are transforming various industries. A) such as B) like C) for example D) as

  3. The two research findings are _______ in their implications, suggesting a clear direction for further study. A) similar B) alike C) like each other D) as

  4. He was officially designated _______ the lead architect for the new campus development project. A) as B) like C) to be D) for

  5. The new regulations stipulate that all employees must adhere _______ the updated data privacy guidelines. A) to B) with C) on D) for

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her presentation style is very similar to that of a seasoned public speaker. Rewrite: (using "like")

  2. Original: The data suggests that the market trend appears as though it's shifting towards sustainable products. Rewrite: (using "like")

  3. Original: The new hire performed his duties like a professional from day one. Rewrite: (do not use "like")

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. like
  2. such as
  3. as
  4. like

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) as if, B) like
  2. A) such as, B) like, C) for example
  3. A) similar, B) alike, C) like each other
  4. A) as, C) to be
  5. A) to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her presentation style is very like that of a seasoned public speaker.
  2. The data suggests that the market trend appears like it's shifting towards sustainable products.
  3. The new hire performed his duties as a professional from day one.

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