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Date: Jan 05 2015

Topic: Grammar

Author: albasel1975

Lesson

We use the First Conditional to talk about future events that are likely to happen.

You probably know that the verb like can be followed by either the -ing form or by an infinitive.

  • I like going to the cinema
  • I like to see all the latest movies.

Often these two forms mean exactly the same thing but there can be a difference between them. When we use like to there is an ide that we think is is a good idea, even if not pleasant, and it is probably a regular action.

  • I like to visit the dentist twice a year.
  • I like my children to be in bed by nine.
  • I like to keep fit.

We use would like to to make polite offers and requests.

  • Would you like to have lunch one day next week?
  • I'd like to have your opinion.

Used as a preposition, like often means 'similar' or 'typical'..

  • Like me, you probably are a bit shocked by his behaviour.
  • What is Harry like? Is he conceited?
  • You look like you need to sit down.
  • I want to do something exciting - like bungee jumping.
  • It is just like him to be late.

In informal American English, like is used to mean 'as if'. (Some people think it is 'incorrect'  but you will certainly hear it a lot.)

  • I feel like I am a princess.
  • It was like I was back in the sixties.

Don't confuse that with feel like meaning 'a desire to do someting'.

  • I feel like going out for a meal.
  • I don't feel like driving any more today.

Unusually for a preposition, like can have the adverbs quite or rather in front of it.

  • It is quite like old times.
  • It is rather like it was before we had computers.

Here are some useful phrases using like.

Come when you like.

  • You are always welcome. Come when you like.

Do as you like.

  • It is entirely your choice. Do as you like.

If you like is used to make suggestions.

  • We could go later, if you like.

Like this is used when you are demonstrating something.

  • You put the paper in here like this.

Eat like a horse means to eat in large quantities.

  • Kate eats like a horse but she never seems to put on any weight.

Feel like a million means that you feel really good.

  • I have met a new girl. I feel like a million.

Go like clockwork means that it happens without problems.

  • The launch of the new product went like clockwork.

Like a bat out of hell means very fast.

  • He drove like a bat out of hell. I was scared.

Like a fish out of water means that the person does not fit in at all.

  • He knows a lot about accounting but he is like a fish out of water in marketing.

If something sells like hot cakes, it sells really well.

  • The new iphone is selling like hot cakes.

If you go out like a light, you fall asleep immediately.

  • He was so tired that he went out like a light when he lay on the sofa.

If you sleep well, you sleep like a log.

  • I slept really well.  I slept like a log.

If you watch like a hawk, you watch really closely.

  • I didn't trust him so I watched him like a hawk for the whole time he was here. He didn't do anything wrong.

If news spreads like wildfire,  everybody hears it very quickly.

  • Reports of their argument spread like wildfire through the company.

Comments

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Phirntia

Åland Islands

Lesson of the English is taught for the students of the higher and likewise levels of the studies. The lesson is also teaching themes of the morality for the essay writings for better and sound life. The arrangement is liked as well by the individuals.

12:34 PM Dec 01 2016 |

Julie3

Julie3

Russian Federation

In Russian we say: to work like a horse and to be tired like a dog :-) and if u are too much messy while eating we say “u eat like a pig”


I definitely like this lesson!

03:37 AM Jan 08 2015 |

R_P

R_P

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Useful as usual , It’s LIKE reading a book with a title of ” Learn English Step by Step ” ;)

10:04 AM Jan 06 2015 |

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