English Grammar

LIKE - LOOK LIKE - BE LIKE

The difference between 'like', 'look like' and 'be like'.

The difference between 'like', 'look like' and 'be like', with sentences to show how to use them.

LIKE

Like can be used as a verb, or as a preposition with 'look' and 'be':

1) as a verb, to talk about tastes and preferences.
2) as a preposition, with look (look like) and be (be like), to talk about appearance or to describe characteristics and personality.

1) 'LIKE' as a Verb:

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.

2) 'LIKE' as a Preposition with 'look' (look like) and ''be' (be like):

LOOK LIKE:

- Preposition 'like' + verb 'look' (look like):

Look like is used to ask about or to describe the appearance of someone or something or what they physically resemble.
- What does Peter look like?
  He's tall, with dark hair, and he wears glasses.
- You can't find your parcel? What does it look like?
  It's a small packet gift-wrapped in red paper.
- What are you eating?
  It looks like pieces of chicken but I think it's tofu.
- That's an impressive dog! It looks like a wolf!

BE LIKE:

- Preposition 'like' + verb 'be' (be like):

Be like is used to ask about or to describe characteristics, personality or behaviour.
- What is Julie like?
  She is reliable, pleasant and helpful. I like working with her.
- What is your new boss like?
  He’s very hardworking, but he makes time for the staff when necessary.
- What is his brother like?
  He’s like his father - quiet and non-assuming.

TO SUM UP:

- We use like to talk about tastes and preferences. - We use look like to describe appearance or physical resemblance. - We use be like to describe a person's character, personality or behaviour.
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.

See also: like-as