Uses of “LIKE”


There are many ways to incorporate the use of the word "like" in English. Lets have a look: 





A/A
Use
Meaning
Example
1
Like + ing or infintive
It shows a preference in something
a)      I like going to the cinema
b)      I like to see all the latest movies
(!) When we use like with –ing, we express a general preference. When we use it with an infinitive we express an idea that we have or a regular action.
2
Would like
We use it to make polite offers
Would you like to have lunch next week?
3
Like used as “as if”
= “λες και
It is used orally and informally.
a)      I feel like I am a princess.
b)      It was like I was back in the sixties.
4
Like
= Σαν
= “πώς είναι ο χαρακτήρας κάποιου”
=τυπικό παράδειγμα

It is used as “similar/typical”
a)      Like me, you are probably a bit shocked.
b)      What is Harry like?
c)       You look like you need to sit down.
d)      It is just like him to be late.
5
Feel like
It means I have a desire (πόθο) to do something
 I feel like going out for a meal.
(!) Like can be used with the adverbs quite / rather (αρκετά).

 A) It is quite like the old times.
 B) It is rather like it was before we had computers.



Useful phrases with “ like “



A/A
Phrase
Meaning
Example
1
Come when you like
Είσαι ευπρόσδεκτος οποτεδήποτε.
You are always welcome. Come when you like.
2
Do as you like
Κάνε ότι νομίζεις
It is entirely your choice. Do as you like.
3
If you like
Εάν θες.
We could go together, if you like.
4
Like this
Με αυτόν τον τρόπο
You out the paper in here like this.
5
Eat like a horse
Τρώω πολύ
Kate eats like a horse but she seems to never put on weight.
6
Feel like a million
Αισθάνομαι όμορφα ψυχολογικά και εξωτερικά.
I have bought a new suit for work. I feel like a million.
7
Go like clockwork
Όλα λειτουργούν ρολόι
The launch of the new product went like clockwork.
8
Like a bat out of hell
μανιασμένα
He drove like a bat out of hell, I was scared.
9
Like a fish out of water
Αισθάνομαι έξω από τα νερά μου
He knows a lot about accounting but he is like a fish out of water in marketing.
10
Sells like hot cakes
Μοσχοπουλάει
The new iphone sells like hot cakes.
11
Out like a light
Σβήνω από την κούραση
He was so tired that he went out like a light when he lay on the sofa.
12
Watch like a hawk (γεράκι)
Επιβλέπω κάποιον έντονα
During the test, the examiner watched the candidates like a hawk to prevent any cheating.
13
Spreads like wild fire
Κάτι εξαπλώνεται σαν την φωτιά
Reports of their argument spread like wild fire through the company.


Difference between “As” and “Like”


Εννοιολογικά: Η διαφορά μεταξύ των δύο έγκειται στο γεγονός ότι με την χρήση του as υπογραμμίζουμε την λειτουργικότητα / ιδιότητα του ατόμου ή του αντικειμένου ή δηλώνουμε ότι κάτι γίνεται με τον ίδιο τρόπο, ενώ με την χρήση του  like υπογραμμίζουμε μόνο την ομοιότητα.

e.g. He works as (in the role of/ με την ιδιότητα) a bank teller.
e.g. As I said before, we have to get ready.
e.g. He speaks like (similar to/σαν) a native speaker.

 Συντακτικά: Όταν θέλουμε να συγκρίνουμε τότε χρησιμοποιούμε το asμε δευτερεύουσα πρόταση (υποκείμενο+ρήμα+αντικείμενο) ενώ το likeμε ουσιαστικοποιημένη πρόταση.

e.g. Your outfit for tonight is beautiful as it should be.
e.g. My son gets straight As like all good students.



Practise your understanding of the use of "like vs as" completing exercises in the following links: 


https://www.englishgrammar.org/as-like-quiz/

https://www.usingenglish.com/quizzes/257.html

Good luck!