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:
His organization is just like the contract management companies we've worked with in the past.
This cocktail is just like a martini.
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:
The housekeeping department likes meeting together to discuss their class interests.
Susan likes working the sales register.
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:
When they're working under minimal supervision they look like they're supervised.
The uniforms for food service management look like the uniforms for the workers.
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:
I would like to visit a nightclub.
They would like to use the vending machine.