other words to use instead of like in an essay

13 Formal Synonyms for “Like”

So, you want to know the best ways to replace “like” as a verb formally, right?

After all, you’re a little worried the term is too friendly or loving.

Luckily, you have other options!

This article will aim to show you what to say instead of “like” in an essay or email, depending on the contextual needs.

Other Ways to Say “Like”

• Acknowledge
• Hold in high regard

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “Like” is a suitable verb that’s versatile and works well in every context (formal and informal).
• You can use “approve of” if you’re looking for a phrasal verb alternative to mix things up.
• For a one-word synonym, try using “respect,” as it’s a great way to spice up your writing.

Keep reading to learn how to say “like” in different formal contexts. We’ve explored the two best options from the list above to help you understand more about them.

The final section will also teach you whether “like” is correct formally. So, you may want to skip ahead if you think this will be more applicable to you.

You can use “approve of” as another way to say “like.” This is a great professional verb that helps to keep your tone more formal in business settings.

So, you can use it when emailing employees . It’s a good option if you’re approving an idea they might have, as your approval suggests you “like” it.

Generally, this synonym is a subtle way to show you like something.

Your approval is important as an employer. So, if you approve of something, it means you like the idea and want to see how far an employee is willing to take it.

Also, you can check out this sample email to learn a bit more about it:

Dear Bobby, I approve of this suggestion, and I’m keen to see what you do with it. Please keep me informed as to what you decide to do next. Best wishes, Bradley Wigan

It’s not only useful in emails, though!

You can also use it in a resume . It’s a good option that suggests you have people who already approve of the work you’ve completed that will vouch for you.

Also, check out this CV sample to learn a bit more about it:

My referees will approve of my portfolio and the work I put into it. I’m certain you’ll be impressed with what I’ve done.

You can also write “respect” as a fancy word for “like.” This is a one-word alternative that’ll help you to spice things up in your writing.

For the most part, it remains formal. It’s also sincere , which goes a long way in professional emails.

If you respect something, it suggests that you like it and can understand why someone is thinking of it.

Therefore, it’s worth using this when agreeing with a client . It shows you like their idea, and you want to work with it to see what you can come up with together.

If you’re still unsure, you can also review this email sample:

Dear Ms. Nevis, I respect the choices you’re making here. I’m sure this is the start of a great partnership, and I look forward to seeing what you do next. Best wishes, Tom Healy

Also, you can use “respect” when writing a resume . It suggests that you like specific traits in a workplace, and you want to try and find a position or role that allows you to find those traits.

This resume sample will clear things up if you still don’t get it:

I respect cleanliness and security in the workplace. Therefore, I need these to be guaranteed before I take any offers.

Is It Correct to Say “Like”?

It is correct to say “like.” It’s a common verb choice that’s versatile and works well in nearly every situation.

So, you can use it in a formal context .

There’s nothing wrong with using it in an email . For instance:

Dear Jude, I like this idea a lot, and I look forward to hearing more about it. When are you free to discuss what your plans are? Best regards, Don Wallace

You can also use it in a resume . For example:

I like working for this employer. That’s why I’m reapplying for a role that will better test my abilities.

Finally, you can use it in an essay to spice things up:

I like figuring out the best ways to complete these tasks. It’s one of the most exciting things about the investigations.

Don’t go anywhere without bookmarking this page, though! After all, you never know when you might need to return to remind yourself of the best synonyms for “like.”

• 10 Words to Replace “I Am” in a Resume
• 15 Other Ways to Say “At Your Earliest Convenience”
• 15 Other Ways to Say “No Need to Apologize”
• 14 Other Ways to Ask “Does It Work for You?”

We are a team of experienced communication specialists.

Our mission is to help you choose the right phrase or word for your emails and texts.

Choosing the right words shouldn't be your limitation!

© WordSelector

What to Say Instead of ‘Like’ in an Essay: Tips and Examples

Is It OK to Use Like in Essays?

Is it ok to use like in formal writing, alternatives to using “like” in formal writing.

• For instance
• As an example
• In particular
• To illustrate
• In other words
• That’s to say
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• Alternatively
• Instead of “like”
• In contrast to
• Compared to

Can I Use the Word Like in Academic Writing?

Should i stop using the word like, can like be used instead of such as, examples of common phrases that use like or such as.

• For example
• Among others
• As an illustration
• To name a few
• And the like

What Is Another Word for Like for Like?

The importance of using precise language when comparing or contrasting things.

You Might Also Like

He Lied About Coming To See Me – Reasons I Completely Love

My Not Wonderful Boyfriend of 10 Years Dumped Me: A Heart-Wrenching Tale

Why Do I Flinch at Loud Noises? Explained by Science

My Wife Always Talks About a Guy at Work | Dealing With Workplace Jealousy

• Order Proofreading Order Resume Writing Additional services for: Academics Authors Businesses

• Get Proofreading
• All Services
• Free Samples

List of 154 Words to Use Instead of "Like"

Made in the USA (we edit US , UK , Australian , and Canadian English). © 2024 ProofreadingServices.com, LLC | Terms | Privacy | Accessibility

• Subscribe for Discounts and Tips

Please choose your service:

Proofreading and editing.

GET A QUOTE

Translation

Publishing and marketing for authors, resumes, cvs, and cover letters, ghostwriting books, please select from the options below:, memoir ghostwriting, ghostwriting for ceos.

back to the other services

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Formal alternative for "like" and "such as"?

Is there a more formal way of saying:

"In most western countries, such as the United States, an increased level of ... has been observed."

Or should such a sentence be rephrased completely?

4 Answers 4

The phrase "such as" is a formal phrase, and as such, you should feel free to use it in formal writing. (The informal equivalent would be "like": Places like the US have seen an increase in... )

• 7 You can use "like" in formal writing as well. "Painters like Monet, who were concerned with capturing the evanescent impressions of light, were dubbed Impressionists." Where you would not use "like" is as a substitute for as : "As [not like] I mentioned earlier, Monet and his contemporaries were called Impressionists." –  Robusto Commented Apr 4, 2011 at 12:50
• In @JSBangs's answer, 'such as' introduces an example. In @Robusto's comment, 'like' means Monet and other painters similar to him . There is a subtle difference as when we use 'such as' the way JSBangs has, the other examples might not share similarities with the selected one. –  Karl Commented Apr 4, 2011 at 14:01

Some alternatives include:

• for example
• for instance

There is a subtle difference between 'such as' and 'like'.

Most western countries, such as the US...

Most western countries, with the US being an example...

On the other hand

Most western countries like the US...

Could be interpreted as

Most western countries that are similar to the US

Which may not be what you mean.

• I agree with your "such as" example, but not with your "like" example. I think that the comma makes it clear that the reader should interpret the US as an example and not a prerequisite. Without the comma, “Most western countries like the US…” I would be more likely to interpret it as a prerequisite (that are similar to…). In contrast, the comma can be removed from your "such as" example and the meaning would still be retained either way. –  chharvey Commented Oct 4, 2017 at 4:10
• @chharvey >6 years later, I'm rereading this and am inclined to agree with you. Thus, I've made an edit. –  Dancrumb Commented Oct 4, 2017 at 14:00

I don't know about formality, but if you want to capitalise on the residual popularity of Miss Teen USA 2007 then you could do worse than follow the wonderful precedent set by Miss South Carolina , who responded to the question

“Recent polls have shown that a fifth of Americans can’t locate the US on a world map. Why do you think this is?”

with (emphasis added)...

I personally believe, that U.S. Americans, are unable to do so, because uh, some, people out there, in our nation don’t have maps. and uh… I believe that our education like such as in South Africa, and the Iraq, everywhere like such as … and, I believe they should uh, our education over here, in the U.S. should help the U.S. or should help South Africa, and should help the Iraq and Asian countries so we will be able to build up our future, for our [children].”

On the "rephrase completely" note, I would consider taking the center clause out:

In most western countries, an increased level of ... has been observed

The U.S. is now pretty much the archetype western country, so you're not providing additional information. If you want to emphasize the U.S. is included, then you could use:

In most western countries, including the United States, an increased level of ... has been observed

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged synonyms formality or ask your own question .

• Featured on Meta
• Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

• Are all citizens of Saudi Arabia "considered Muslims by the state"?
• Fusion September 2024: Where are we with respect to "engineering break even"?
• Can Christian Saudi Nationals visit Mecca?
• How to change upward facing track lights 26 feet above living room?
• Does the USA plan to establish a military facility on Saint Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal?
• How rich is the richest person in a society satisfying the Pareto principle?
• An error in formula proposed by Riley et al to calculate the sample size
• Can you equip or unequip a weapon before or after a Bonus Action?
• Can I Use A Server In International Waters To Provide Illegal Content Without Getting Arrested?
• In what chapter does Fleur suspect Hagrid?
• Why does this theta function value yield such a good Riemann sum approximation?
• How do I learn more about rocketry?
• How to Interpret Statistically Non-Significant Estimates and Rule Out Large Effects?
• How can I give alternate numbered distance in a 2D array in Geometry Nodes?
• How do I apologize to a lecturer who told me not to ever call him again?
• What does "Two rolls" quote really mean?
• Could an empire rise by economic power?
• How do you tip cash when you don't have proper denomination or no cash at all?
• Why didn't Air Force Ones have camouflage?
• Should on use mutate or insert to update storage?
• "It never works" vs "It better work"
• What was the first "Star Trek" style teleporter in SF?
• Why is a USB memory stick getting hotter when connected to USB-3 (compared to USB-2)?
• Stained passport am I screwed

What's the opposite of Meaning of the word Words that rhyme with Sentences with the word Translate to Find Words Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Use * for blank spaces Find the of Pronounce the word in Find Names     Appearance ✓ Use device theme   ✓ Dark theme ✓ Light theme ? ? Here's a list of from our that you can use instead. ▲ ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ▲ it.” more food if possible.” it if it happened to you?” when you're on vacation.” ) To mark, tag or save something in one's personal list minds.” ) Denoting a resemblance when comparing one to another ) Belonging exclusively to the one I have at home.” a lunatic.” them to be late, as usual.” Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Quebec.” I was doing mine.” someone was pounding on my head with a brick.” in our town ever again.” of which was never seen.” ) An individual vote showing support for, or approval of, something posted on Facebook.” ) A fondness or positive regard for something of his.” ) Almost to the same level, amount or degree fifty miles from here.” ) To give an example Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Use * for blank spaces Related Words and Phrases Bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]. go Word Tools Finders & Helpers Apps More Synonyms Copyright WordHippo © 2024 Synonyms of like Conjunction. as in to want as in to prefer as in to enjoy as in to please as in equivalent as in liking as in similar as in pretty as in about More from M-W To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In Thesaurus Definition of like  (Entry 1 of 6) Synonyms & Similar Words delight (in) groove (on) yearn (for) hanker (for or after) lean (toward or towards) be partial to cotton (to) single (out) incline (toward) Antonyms & Near Antonyms rejoice (in) get off (on) have a soft spot for get a charge out of get a kick out of indulge (in) wallow (in) luxuriate (in) hunger (for) lust (for or after) pant (after) thirst (for) repine (for) hanker (for) Thesaurus Definition of like  (Entry 2 of 6) description counterpart Thesaurus Definition of like  (Entry 3 of 6) love affair inclination indifference disinclination Thesaurus Definition of like  (Entry 4 of 6) corresponding correspondent on the order of commensurate proportionate approaching interchangeable conformable indistinguishable homogeneous approximating substitutable congenerous coextensive distinguishable nonequivalent noninterchangeable unconnected Thesaurus Definition of like  (Entry 5 of 6) to a degree after a sort more or less incompletely particularly exceedingly exceptionally significantly substantially frightfully considerably extensively surpassingly approximately somewhere about after a fashion plus or minus somewhere around practically well - nigh smack - dab Thesaurus Definition of like  (Entry 6 of 6) Examples of like in a Sentence These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'like.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples. Phrases Containing like as like as not go like clockwork like a shot like as not like gangbusters like wildfire Articles Related to like Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of... Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate All your favorite pet peeves In Defense of 'Like' Word Matters, Episode 9 Learning to Like 'Like' People have complained about 'like' for decades. Can a case be made for it? Thesaurus Entries Near like likableness Cite this Entry “Like.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/like. Accessed 6 Sep. 2024. More from Merriam-Webster on like Nglish: Translation of like for Spanish Speakers Britannica English: Translation of like for Arabic Speakers Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Can you solve 4 words at once? Word of the day. See Definitions and Examples » Get Word of the Day daily email! Popular in Grammar & Usage Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, why does english have so many silent letters, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, birds say the darndest things, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), games & quizzes. 108 IMAGES Here are Top Words to Use in an Essay Top 20 Words To Use In An A* Essay Different Ways To Say LIKE In English 100 words you could use instead of "said" : coolguides Useful Linking Words for Writing Essay in English +26 Ways to Say ALSO in English, Synonym Words For Also furthermore in VIDEO Употребление LIKE и AS Words use instead of very #* / English grammar / English vocabulary Words to use instead of "very" (part-2) || JSJ JESY SPOKEN ENGLISH Improve vocabulary|Use these words in your Essay instead|#trendingshorts|#englishtips #grammar The Magic of English WORDS use instead of very COMMENTS 13 Formal Synonyms for “Like” - WordSelector “Like” is a suitable verb that’s versatile and works well in every context (formal and informal). You can use “approve of” if you’re looking for a phrasal verb alternative to mix things up. For a one-word synonym, try using “respect,” as it’s a great way to spice up your writing. What to Say Instead of ‘Like’ in an Essay: Tips and Examples While using “like” to introduce examples may be acceptable in casual conversation, it’s important to understand when to use “such as” instead. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two phrases and provide guidelines for using them correctly. 154 Words to Use Instead of "Like" - proofreadingservices.com Instead of using "like" all the time, you can replace it with one of the words on the list to make your writing or speech more memorable. synonyms - Formal alternative for "like" and "such as ... The phrase "such as" is a formal phrase, and as such, you should feel free to use it in formal writing. (The informal equivalent would be "like": Places like the US have seen an increase in...) You can use "like" in formal writing as well. What is another word for like - WordHippo Find 3,694 synonyms for like and other similar words that you can use instead based on 37 separate contexts from our thesaurus. LIKE Synonyms: 356 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam ... Synonyms for LIKE: want, enjoy, love, feel like, fancy, relish, welcome, care (for); Antonyms of LIKE: dislike, hate, loathe, detest, refuse, abhor, reject, decline. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review thesis