Grammar Lessons: 4 Uses Of Questions With Like (A Quick Guide)

Uses Of “Like” In Questions

The word “like” is used in various ways to ask questions. Questions with “like” may convey different meanings, depending on the context.

“Like” may be used to ask questions about:

The word “like” in these questions is used either as a verb or as a preposition.

Here are four uses of like with questions:

“Like” can be used to inquire about personality or the characteristics of something:

Examples:

In the above examples, “like” is used as a preposition.

“Like” can be used to discuss preferences:

Examples:

In these questions, “like” is used as a verb.

“Like” may be used in questions to inquire about physical appearance:

Examples:

What does he look like? → He is tall and has long black hair.
What does she look like? → She is beautiful, with brown eyes and short black hair.
Who do you look like? → I look just like my father.
Who does she look like? → She looks like her grandmother.

In these questions, “like” is used as a preposition.

To ask about hobbies, use “like” in questions as follows:

In these examples, “like” is used as a verb.

Here’s a table summarizing the four uses of “like” in questions:

Use of “Like” in Questions	Example	Function of “Like”
Personality or Characteristics	What is your friend like? → He’s nice. What is the house like? → It’s huge. What was the weather like? → It was sunny.	Preposition
Preferences	What would you like to eat? → Fish, please. What would you like to do next weekend? → Go sightseeing.	Verb
Physical Appearance or Resemblance	What does he look like? → He is tall and has long black hair. What does she look like? → She is beautiful, with brown eyes and short black hair. Who do you look like? → I look just like my father. Who does she look like? → She looks like her grandmother.	Preposition
Hobbies	What does he like doing? → He likes singing. What do you like doing? → I like reading.	Verb

Questions with like

More about the meanings of like here:

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