{"id":133,"date":"2013-10-30T14:46:50","date_gmt":"2013-10-30T21:46:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gmat-genius.com\/blog\/?p=133"},"modified":"2014-10-09T16:47:24","modified_gmt":"2014-10-09T23:47:24","slug":"like-versus-such-as","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gmatgenius.com\/blog\/like-versus-such-as\/","title":{"rendered":"Like Versus Such As"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"LikeIdioms are one grammatical component of GMAT sentence correction problems. Furthermore, the GMAT tests meaning, part of which is appropriate word choice. One issue that the GMAT has previously tested is the usage of like<\/span> versus such as<\/span>. When giving an example, we should use such as<\/span><\/strong>: John collects pictures of sports cars made by companies such as<\/span> Lamborghini and Maserati. When indicating similarity, we should use like<\/span><\/strong>: A giraffe\u2019s neck is like<\/span> that of a brachiosaurus.<\/p>\n

Difference Between Like and Such As<\/h2>\n

Although like<\/span> has come to be used synonymously with such as<\/span> in common usage, there is an important distinction that is too often overlooked. In particular, like<\/span> implies similarity but exclusion whereas such as<\/span> implies inclusion<\/strong>. Using like<\/span> is appropriate only if the action pertains to nouns similar to our referenced noun but specifically excludes the referenced noun. As an example: Movies today often feature heroic actors like<\/span> John Wayne. This usage is correct because movies today feature actors similar to John Wayne, but do not feature John Wayne himself. On the other hand, we could say: Movies today often feature heroic actors such as<\/span> Brad Pitt. In this sentence, such as<\/span> is appropriate because Brad Pitt is both an example of a heroic actor and is included in the list of heroic actors today. Here is an interesting article<\/a> from Grammar Girl that expands on this point.<\/p>\n

Incorrect Usages of Like<\/h2>\n

In October alone, I have come across at least 100 incorrect usages of the word like<\/span> in the context of providing an example. In every one of these instances, such as<\/span> would be a better choice<\/strong>. To me, hearing the work like<\/span> used in this manner is like<\/span> hearing fingernails scratching a chalkboard. Here are just a few examples that I have come across, including a couple which appropriately use such as<\/span>:<\/p>\n