What is the difference between "like" or "such as"?
Can I have some examples!
Thank you!
NOT A TEACHER
DEAR FELLOW MEMBER LADY BIRD:
(1) All the other posters have given you and me very helpful advice.
(2) I have checked some books and learned the following:
(a) One expert says that either is correct:
Veronica prefers cool colors,
like/such as blue, violet, or
aqua. [Kindly note the comma after "colors."] *** This expert says that
"such as" is more formal. She adds: "It's a matter of taste."
-- The expert is Ms. Patricia T. O'Conner in her
Woe Is I.
(b) One expert shows us that sometimes we cannot use "like":
In
such areas
as North Wales or the Lake District, there are now
too many walkers and climbers. [I think -- think!!! --- that one could
also say: In areas such as/like North Wales ....]
-- The expert is our beloved mentor Mr. Michael Swan in his
Practical
English Usage.
(c) One expert says:
Some conservative [strict] editors insist that you avoid using
like to mean "such as." That is, those "conservative" editors want you to
say: Words such as "license" and "licorice" have two Standard spellings.
In other words, never use "like" if you mean "such as."
-- The expert is
The Columbia Guide to Standard American English.
(d) Two experts say something very interesting. They say that
"such as" is "preferable" if the examples are only loosely connected
to the preceding noun:
A number of big processors, such as Campbell and Heinz, still make
their own cans.
(i) I guess that you can say that the examples are loosely connected to
"processors" because if you erased the words "such as Campbell and
Heinz," the sentence would still make sense. These experts would not
recommend "like" in such a sentence. I guess they WOULD accept "like"
if the examples are absolutely necessary. For example, in the
sentence "Words such as 'license' and 'licorice' have two spellings,"
these experts would accept "like" (or "such as") because the examples
are tightly connected to the noun "words." If I erased "such as
'license' and 'licorice' ," then that sentence would lose the meaning that
I am trying to express.
-- The experts are Ms. Wilma Ebbitt and Mr. David Ebbitt in their
Index to English.
(3)
To summarize:
(a) Probably either word is correct.
(b) Carefully study the examples so that you know when and where to
put the comma (if one is needed).
(c) I personally shall try to follow the Ebbitts' advice: use "such as"
if the examples are loosely connected to the noun.
(d) Regarding your examples, maybe (a big maybe!!!):
I teach many subjects, such as history and geography. [I used
"such as" because I felt that the examples are loosely connected.
You just want people to know that you teach many subjects.
In fact, I do not feel comfortable with either "like" or
"such as." I prefer:
I teach many subjects, including history and geography.]
We practice many sports, like/such as football and volleyball.
I guess that those "conversative" editors would insist on
"such as." Most would accept either. Are the examples tightly
or loosely connected to the word "sports"? Probably loosely.
(Frankly, I also prefer "including" in this sentence, too.)
Compare: Some sports like/such as football and ice hockey can get
pretty violent. I would say that those examples are tightly connected
to the word "sports."
Respectfully yours,
James
