Like or Alike

"Like" and "alike" are synonyms to mean similar but not identical.

Like

​

This is used to compare one person or thing to another and can only used as a preposition or adjective.

​

​

"Like" as preposition

​

As a preposition, "like" comes after the subject and verb, and then followed by the object.

[subject + verb] + ["like"] + [object]

​

• "You can't always treat him like a child."

​

It is often used with sense verbs such as look, seem, feel, smell, or sound.

​

• "It smells like oranges."

• "She looks like Mary."

​

​

You can also use adverbs to add degrees of similarity and this usually comes before the preposition.

​

[adverb] + ["like"] + [object]

​

• "The wall is more like red than orange."

​

​

"Like" as adjective

As an adjective, it is used before nouns.

["like"] + [noun]

​

• "He responded in like manner."

​

​

It can also be part of an adjective phrase.

​

• "Like-minded people don't always get the job done."​

​

Alike

​

This refers to two or more people or things that are similar to each other and can be used as an adjective or an adverb.

​

​

"Alike" as adjective

As an adjective, it comes after nouns.

​

[noun] + ["alike"]

​

• "Men and women alike will enjoy this sport."

​

You can also use other adverbs to add degrees of similarities, usually before the adjective.

​

[adverb] + ["alike"]

​

• "The two pieces are very much alike."

• "They were quite alike in their personalities."

​

​

"Alike" as adverb

​

As an adverb, it comes after the verb.

​

[verb] + ["alike"]

​

• "The twins dressed alike in pink dresses."

• "Great minds think alike."