How to Use “Like” in English – Two Meanings Explained for ESL Learners

Part 1: What does “like” mean?

1️⃣ “Like” = Enjoy or love
We use “like” to say we enjoy something.
✔ I like music.
✔ She likes watching movies.

2️⃣ “Like” = Similar to / same as
We use “like” to compare things.
✔ That cloud looks like a dog.
✔ He runs like a cheetah.

Part 2: Which “like” is it?

Write E for Enjoy or S for Similar in the blank.

1. ____ I like chocolate ice cream.

2. ____ You look like your mom.

3. ____ This song is like the one we heard yesterday.

4. ____ My brother likes baseball.

5. ____ That dress is like mine.

6. ____ I like reading at night.

Part 3: Complete the sentence with the correct meaning of “like”

Choose from: like (enjoy) or like (similar)

1. My cat acts ______ a baby when she wants food.

2. I ______ playing video games with my friends.

3. This place smells ______ a bakery.

4. We ______ going to the beach in summer.

5. That painting looks ______ something from a movie.

Part 4: Write your own sentences

Write one sentence using each meaning of like.

1. “Like” = enjoy
✏️ ____________________________________________________

2. “Like” = similar
✏️ ____________________________________________________

Part 5: Classmate Challenge (Optional Speaking Practice)

Walk around and ask your classmates these questions:

QuestionAnswer from a classmate
What food do you like?_________________________
Do you know someone who looks like you?_________________________
What movie is like another movie?_________________________
What do you like to do on weekends?_________________________

📌 Final Tips

  • Listen carefully to how native speakers use “like” in real life.
  • Practice using both meanings in conversation.
  • Review this blog post anytime you get confused!

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