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Old 07-Aug-2003, 13:37
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Default the difference of like and alike

could you tell me about usage of like and alike?
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Old 07-Aug-2003, 16:38
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'Alike' is used as an adjective:
They look alike.

'Like' is used as a preposition:
He's looks like his brother.
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Old 07-Aug-2003, 16:40
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If two things are alike that means they are identical. If two things are like each other that means they are similar but not identical. The two words are not used interchangeably.
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Old 09-Aug-2003, 21:18
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'Like' can be used as a noun, but 'alike' isn't.
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Old 11-Jul-2006, 11:24
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Question Re: the difference of like and alike

Quote:
Originally Posted by RonBee
If two things are alike that means they are identical. If two things are like each other that means they are similar but not identical. The two words are not used interchangeably.
CALD says that alike means similar, which does not agree with RonBee's definition. What is, then, the difference between similar and alike?

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Nyggus
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Old 11-Jul-2006, 11:27
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Unhappy Re: the difference of like and alike

Yet Encarta gives two definitions of alike:
1. "similar in appearance or character,"
2. "the same."

(Is there anything worse than two different meanings of one word/phrase? )

Nyggus
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Old 12-Jul-2006, 06:41
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Default Re: the difference of like and alike

Yep- 'set' has over a hundred meanings.
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Old 12-Jul-2006, 06:43
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Cool Re: the difference of like and alike

Quote:
Originally Posted by tdol
Yep- 'set' has over a hundred meanings.
Which post did you answer here, tdol ?
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Old 12-Jul-2006, 07:59
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Default Re: the difference of like and alike

This:
Quote:
Originally Posted by nyggus

(Is there anything worse than two different meanings of one word/phrase? )

Nyggus
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Old 12-Jul-2006, 13:09
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Question Re: the difference of like and alike

Oh yes, oooops, sorry! Too many questions is not good for the asker!
And what about alike versus similar?

Best,
Nyggus
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