English Grammar
LIKE - LOOK LIKE - BE LIKE
The difference between 'like', 'look like' and 'be like'.
LIKE
Like can be used- 1) as a verb, to talk about tastes
- 2) as a preposition, with look and be, to talk about appearance and ask for descriptions.
- The verb to like is used to talk about tastes, what
we enjoy or prefer.
- What sport does Peter like?
He likes tennis.
- What sort of books does your Dad like? He likes historical books.
- What's your favourite food? I like Italian food.
- What sport does Peter like?
He likes tennis.
LOOK LIKE:
- Preposition 'like' + verb 'look':- Look like is used to ask for and give an opinion about appearance.
- What does Peter look like?
He's tall, with dark hair, and he wears glasses.
- What does Peter look like?
BE LIKE:
- Preposition 'like' + verb 'be':- Be like is used to ask for and give a general description.
- What is Julie like?
She is reliable, pleasant and helpful. She is like a friend.
- What is Julie like?
|
- We use like to talk about tastes and preferences. - We use look like to describe physical appearance. - We use be like to describe a person's character. |
|
| What does Alex like? (=what are his preferences). |
Alex likes football. He also likes Chinese food ... and of course he likes his car! |
| What does Alex look like? (=describe his appearance). |
He is tall and handsome, and he dresses well. He's a big guy. He looks like a rugbyman. |
| Who does Alex
look like? (=his similarity with another person). |
He looks like his father really, but in some ways he also looks like George Clooney. |
| What is Alex like? (=describe his personality). |
He is nice and friendly and always
willing to help - a great friend to have. |