Use of 'like'

john martin · Post by **john martin** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 12:39 am

This usage of 'like' appears in the Oxford Advanced learners dictionary.

Like (adj) having similar qualities or features.

"They're not twins, but they're very like"

I have never seen like used in this way before. I have only ever seen 'alike' used in this context.

What does anyone else think?
Thanks.

john martin · Post by **john martin** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 3:12 am

I have just found the online version of the book

http://www.oup.com/oald-bin/web_getald7index1a.pl

Here it states:

adj. [only before noun] (formal) having similar qualities to another person or thing: a chance to meet people of like mind (= with similar interests and opinions) She responded in like manner.

The two examples given here appear in the 1995 version of the printed book, but my example above does not. There is also the addition of the phrase ' only before noun'.

Has a grammar usage changed or did Oxford make a mistake with the 95 printed version?

Stephen Jones · Post by **Stephen Jones** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:10 am

Adjectives can be attributive or predicative. Most are both, but 'like' is not used in predicative position. If your dictionary said so it was wrong.

revel · Post by **revel** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:22 am

deleted

Anuradha Chepur · Post by **Anuradha Chepur** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 6:42 am

At the moment, I'm not bothered about the usage of 'like', but I wish to defend Oxford dictionary - the Merriam-Webster online says it too.

Main Entry: 3like
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, alteration of ilich, from Old English gelīc like, alike, from ge-, associative prefix + līc body; akin to Old High German gilīh like, alike, Lithuanian lygus like — more at co-
Date: 13th century
1 a: the same or nearly the same (as in appearance, character, or quantity) <suits of like design> —formerly used with as, unto, of<it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren — Heb 2:17(Authorized Version)> bchiefly British : closely resembling the subject or original <the portrait is very like>

revel · Post by **revel** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 7:37 am

deleted

lolwhites · Post by **lolwhites** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:40 am

Has anyone else come across the use of be like to mean say, as in I was like, "what?" and he was like, "no way!"?

Anuradha Chepur · Post by **Anuradha Chepur** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:22 am

I have and I was irritated.

fluffyhamster · Post by **fluffyhamster** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:28 am

It functions as one way to report in more than just words. Why be irritated? How about 'went'?

Anuradha Chepur · Post by **Anuradha Chepur** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:34 am

I mostly heard it used by Bollywood actors, whose English I'm not always impressed with. They must have picked it up in their US/UK shooting trips, and it makes them sound like wannabes.
He went, "....." is absolutely fine for me.

lolwhites · Post by **lolwhites** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:30 pm

It's often used to convey emotion too, as in I was like (speaker adopts amazed expression) or I was like (speaker places hand over eyes groans). I can see how some people might find it lazy ir inarticulate, but it certainly isn't inexpressive!