Like facts for kids

The word like is super useful in English! It can mean many different things, and we use it all the time in our daily conversations and writing. Let's explore the different ways we use this common word.

Showing What You Enjoy

Expressing Feelings About Things

One of the most common ways we use like is to show that we enjoy something or find it good. It's how we talk about our preferences.

• I like my house.

* This means you think your house is a good place. You feel happy about it.

• I like Jenny.

* This means you think Jenny is a nice or good person. You enjoy being around her.

Comparing Things

Saying Something is Similar

We also use like to say that two things are the same or very similar. It helps us make comparisons.

• This cheese sandwich feels like rubber.

* This means the sandwich is hard to chew, almost like chewing rubber.

• Jenny is like her mother.

* This could mean Jenny has similar features to her mother. For example, they might both have brown hair.

• Your pen is like my pen.

* This means your pen and my pen are the same kind or look very similar.

Describing How Something is Done

Sometimes, like can describe how something is done, meaning "in the same way as."

• She runs like the wind.

* This means she runs very fast, just like the wind moves quickly.

• She talks like a child.

* This means her voice or way of speaking is similar to how a child talks. Maybe it's slow or has a high pitch.

Asking for Descriptions

What is Something Like?

When we ask a question using like, we are often asking for a description of something. We want to know what it's like or if it was good.

• What's your house like?

* You might answer by describing it: "It has two bedrooms and a big kitchen."

• What was the film like?

* You would answer by saying if it was good or bad: "It was very good!"

Giving Examples

For Example

We can use like to introduce examples. It's a quick way to say "for example" or "such as."

• I often go to other countries, like France or Germany.

* This means you visit countries such as France and Germany. They are just a few examples.

Similes: Comparing with 'Like' or 'As'

When you compare two different things using words like "like" or "as," it's called a simile. Similes help make writing more interesting and descriptive.

• As big as an elephant.
• Shines like a diamond.

Using "as" for comparisons can sometimes be clearer to avoid confusion with the meaning of "like" that shows enjoyment.