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:
The tax base of Britannica Online is just like the same one with Regional Industry.
The bank's credit counseling service is just like a power of attorney dealing with harassing creditors.
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:
I dislike writing promissory notes for any purpose.
They don't like processing promissory notes.
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:
What do you expect profits to look like for the next fiscal year?
A bank draft will often look like a check, but, unlike a check, you must deposit a draft into your bank account.
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 you to provide additional collateral in order for your loan to be approved.
The customer would like to initiate direct deposit for his paychecks.