Such as vs. Like – Which is Correct?
Both such as and like are correct, but they are not always interchangeable. Such as introduces specific examples within a category, especially in formal writing. Like usually means “similar to,” though it can introduce examples in informal English. Use such as for clarity and precision and formal precision.
Such as or Like – Which is Correct?
Such as and like are both valid expressions, but they serve different purposes. Use such as when introducing examples that belong to a larger group: “We sell fruits such as apples and oranges.” Use like when comparing one thing with another: “Her voice sounds like her mother’s.”
In casual speech, like is also commonly used to introduce examples: “Outdoor activities like hiking and cycling are popular.” This use is widely understood and accepted, but such as is usually the clearer and more formal choice in academic, business, and professional writing.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the swap test: if you can replace the expression with for example, choose such as. If you can replace it with similar to, choose like.
- Examples: “Tools such as hammers and screwdrivers are useful.”
- Similarity: “This material feels like leather.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| such as | Fixed prepositional phrase | For example; including specific members of a group | Countries such as Canada and Japan have extensive coastlines. |
| like | Preposition, conjunction, or adverb | Similar to; sometimes used to introduce examples | She runs like a professional athlete. |
How to Use Such As
Such as introduces one or more specific examples of a broader category. It commonly follows a noun or noun phrase and provides details that clarify what the speaker or writer means. The expression is neutral in tone and especially useful in formal, academic, technical, and professional writing.
When such as introduces nonessential examples, the phrase may be set off with commas. When the examples are essential to identifying the intended category, commas may not be needed.
Example 1: Renewable sources such as wind and solar power can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Example 2: Please bring identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Example 3: Some mammals, such as dolphins and whales, live in the ocean.
Etymology of the Word Such As
Such comes from Old English swilc, meaning “of that kind” or “similar.” It developed through Middle English forms into the modern word such. The phrase such as gradually became established as a way to identify examples of a particular kind or category.
How to Use Like
Like has several grammatical functions. As a preposition, it expresses similarity: “The fabric feels like silk.” It can also function as a verb meaning “to enjoy”: “I like classical music.” As an adjective or adverb, it may describe similarity or manner in certain contexts.
In both speech and informal writing, like can introduce examples. For instance, “Animals like foxes and raccoons often adapt to urban environments” means “animals such as foxes and raccoons.” This usage is common, but writers who want maximum precision generally use such as for examples.
Example 1: This tree has leaves like those of a maple.
Example 2: I like documentaries about science and history.
Example 3: Sports like tennis and swimming require regular practice.
Etymology of the Word Like
Like comes from Old English gelīc, meaning “similar” or “having the same form.” It is related to the word likeness. Over time, like developed several grammatical uses, including its role as a verb meaning “to enjoy” and its informal use as an example-introducing expression.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between comparison and exemplification makes it easier to choose between such as and like.
- Examples and exemplification: An exemplifying phrase identifies particular members of a larger group. The phrase such as is the clearest choice when its meaning is “for example.”
- Comparison: A comparison shows that two things share qualities or characteristics. The word like commonly introduces this type of relationship.
- Prepositions: Both such as and like can introduce noun phrases. However, their meanings and levels of formality differ.
- Formal and informal register: Register refers to the level of formality used in communication. Such as is often preferred in formal prose, while example-introducing like is especially common in conversation.
Examples from Media and Literature
The distinction appears frequently in journalism, fiction, advertising, and everyday public communication.
- News writing: “Several industries, such as manufacturing and transportation, reported higher operating costs.” Here, such as introduces examples of industries.
- Travel writing: “The region is known for landscapes like those found in the Alps.” Here, like expresses similarity.
- Literary description: “Her smile was like sunlight through the trees.” This comparison uses like to create an image.
- Documentary narration: “Animals such as wolves and bears play important roles in the ecosystem.” The phrase identifies examples from a category.
- Advertising: “Choose flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.” The phrase lists specific examples of available flavors.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each sentence. In some sentences, both choices may be possible, but one is more precise or appropriate for formal writing.
- Many outdoor activities, _____ hiking and camping, require suitable equipment.
- This jacket feels _____ genuine leather.
- Insects _____ bees and butterflies help pollinate plants.
- She sings _____ a trained opera performer.
- Informal examples _____ movies and television shows can make the lesson more engaging.
Answer Key
- such as — It introduces examples of outdoor activities.
- like — It expresses similarity.
- such as — It introduces specific examples of insects.
- like — It compares her singing with that of a trained performer.
- such as — It is the more precise choice in formal writing, although like is common in informal usage.
Such As Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| for example | Used to introduce a specific illustration or instance. |
| including | Shows that specific items are part of a larger group. |
| for instance | Introduces a particular example. |
| e.g. | An abbreviation of the Latin phrase meaning “for example.” |
Like Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| similar to | Having qualities or characteristics in common with something else. |
| resembling | Looking or appearing similar to another person or thing. |
| as | Can express similarity in certain structures. |
| comparable to | Similar enough to be reasonably compared. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “like” grammatically correct when it means “such as”?
Yes. Using like to introduce examples is common and accepted, particularly in speech and informal writing. However, such as is often preferred in formal or highly precise writing.
Question 2: When should I use “such as” instead of “like”?
Use such as when you mean “for example” and want to identify actual members of a category. For example: “Languages such as Spanish and Italian developed from Latin.”
Question 3: When should I use “like”?
Use like when you mean “similar to,” especially in comparisons. For example: “The new design looks like the original.”
Question 4: Is “such like” interchangeable with “such as”?
No. Such like is not the standard modern expression for introducing examples. In most situations, use such as instead.
Conclusion
Both such as and like are correct, but such as is the strongest choice for introducing examples, while like is usually best for expressing similarity. Although example-introducing like is common in informal English, choosing such as in professional writing improves clarity and precision. Pro tip: When in doubt, use such as for examples to avoid ambiguity and protect your professional reputation.
