Like That
Uses of Like
'Like' can be used as a verb or as a preposition. Some common questions using 'like' are easy to confuse.
What's he like?
In this instance, 'like' is used as a preposition. 'What's she like?' is used to ask about a person's or object's character.
Example:
Increasing the tax base is like climbing a hill.
We can set up your will appointing your son the power of attorney, just like your wife's will.
NOTE: This question is often confused with the common question: How is he?
The question 'How is he?' is answered with:
He's fine. OR He's OK.
Like + -ing
Use 'like' as a verb in a simple tense followed by the gerund (-ing) to mean 'enjoy doing something'. 'Like' is also sometimes followed by the infinitive (to do) to mean 'choose to do something'.
Example:
Our customers like maintaining accrued revenue.
They don't like processing promissory notes.
Look Like
'Look like' is a phrasal verb used to express appearance. In this case, 'like' is used as a preposition. 'Like' can be used in the sense of 'similar to' if you are making a comparison between two persons.
Example:
That looks like the majority interest to me.
A bank draft will often look like a check, but, unlike a check, you must deposit a draft into your bank account.
Would Like + Infinitive
'Like' is also used with 'would like' to express wishes. 'Would like' is always followed by the infinite form of the verb (to do).
Use 'would like' to express a wish that you have at a specific moment in time. Contrast this with 'like doing' which is used to speak about general preferences. 'Would like' is often used in restaurants, or other public places to mean 'want to have something'.
Example:
They would like to stop a check as there is a function tomorrow.
I believe most employees, if asked, would like direct deposit for their payroll checks.
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