More of Like vs. More Like – Which is Correct?
When you mean “similar to,” “more like” is the correct standard phrase: “It looks more like rain.” “More of like” is usually an awkward blend of “more like” and “more of a,” although it may appear in casual speech as a hesitation. Use “more of a” before a specific noun.
More of Like or More Like – Which Is Correct?
More like is the standard phrase when you are comparing one person, thing, or idea with another. It can mean “more similar to,” “instead,” or “approximately,” depending on the sentence.
More of like is generally considered nonstandard or awkward in edited American English. It often results from combining two separate expressions: more like and more of a. In casual conversation, speakers may use “more of like” as a hesitation before explaining an idea, but it should usually be replaced in formal writing.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the comparison test: if you are comparing something with another thing, choose more like. For example, “This color is more like blue than green.” If you are describing something as a type or category, use more of a: “This is more of a suggestion than a rule.” Never combine the two into “more of like.”
| Word or Phrase | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| more like | Comparative phrase | More similar to; rather | “The fabric feels more like silk.” |
| more of a | Noun phrase | To a greater degree, or better described as a particular type | “It was more of a warning than a threat.” |
| more of like | Nonstandard blend | Usually an awkward combination of two phrases | Replace it with “more like” or “more of a.” |
How to Use More Like
More like is used to show that one thing resembles another more closely than it resembles a different thing. It can describe appearance, behavior, sound, personality, function, or degree of similarity. The phrase is natural in casual and formal writing.
It can also correct or revise a previous description. In this use, more like means “rather” or “to be more accurate.” For example, someone might say, “It was not an argument; it was more like a misunderstanding.”
Example 1: This new design looks more like the original version.
Example 2: The noise sounded more like a whistle than an alarm.
Example 3: It was more like a friendly discussion than a formal interview.
Etymology of the Word More Like
More comes from Old English māra, meaning “greater” or “additional.” Like comes from Old English gelīc, meaning “similar” or “having the same form.” Together, more like developed as a comparative expression meaning “more similar.”
Related Concepts
Understanding comparison and noun phrases makes it easier to distinguish more like from the incorrect blend more of like.
- Comparisons: Comparative expressions show how strongly one thing resembles or differs from another. “More like” compares similarity, as in “The second option is more like the first.”
- Comparative adjectives: Words such as more similar, closer, and better compare people or things. “More like” performs a similar comparative function.
- Noun phrases: “More of a” comes before a noun to classify or characterize something, as in “more of a plan” or “more of a problem.”
- Conversational fillers: In spontaneous speech, people sometimes say “more of like” while searching for words. This use is conversational rather than polished standard English.
Examples from Media and Literature
The following examples show how more like works in common media, storytelling, and everyday descriptions:
- News reporting: “The event was more like a public forum than a traditional press conference.”
- Film criticism: “The movie feels more like a character study than an action film.”
- Fiction: “The old house seemed more like a living creature than an empty building.”
- Travel writing: “The narrow path was more like a trail than a paved road.”
- Everyday conversation: “I thought it would be a lecture, but it was more like a conversation.”
More Like Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| more similar to | Having a greater resemblance to something else |
| closer to | More nearly resembling or matching something |
| rather | Used to correct, refine, or replace an earlier description |
| more accurately described as | A formal way to introduce a better characterization |
| akin to | Similar or comparable to; more formal in tone |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “more of like” grammatically correct?
Usually, no. It is generally an awkward blend of “more like” and “more of a.” Use “more like” for comparisons and “more of a” before a noun.
Question 2: Is it more like or more of like?
Use more like when you mean “more similar to” or “rather.” For example, “The sound was more like a crack than a bang.”
Question 3: When should I use “more of a”?
Use more of a before a singular noun when identifying or classifying something. For example, “It was more of a delay than a cancellation.”
Question 4: Can “more of like” appear in speech?
Yes, it may occur in hesitant or highly conversational speech, especially when someone is formulating an explanation. However, it is best avoided in professional, academic, and edited writing.
Conclusion
More like is the correct standard phrase for expressing greater similarity or revising a description. Use “more of a” when a noun follows, as in “more of a challenge.” Avoid combining these expressions as “more of like.” Pro Tip: Choosing the standard phrase in professional writing improves clarity and protects your credibility.
