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.
In this instance, 'like' is used as a preposition. 'What ... like?' is used to ask about a person's or object's character.
Example:
Diversification in finance is like balancing your diet.
The benefit of diversity is just like any other benefit.
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:
The organ donor likes feeling helpful.
James likes abiding by a doctrine.
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:
It looks like they're going to meet their goals.
Our due diligence report this quarter looks like last quarter's report.
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:
We would like to update and streamline our methodology.
Our membership would like to receive a free gift with every donation.