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Like and such as are two words with similar sound that can easily cause writers to become confused. While like may suggest comparisons, such as provides inclusive categories and examples.
What is the difference between like and such as?
Like and such as may appear to be interchangeable terms, but each has specific uses in various contexts. Proper usage will make your writing appear more polished and professional.
When making a list that includes similar or related items, using „like” as the connecting word is appropriate. For example, „Chuck enjoys desserts such as brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons.
If the item of interest does not appear on your list, use „such as.” For instance, say something like this: „This dentist specializes in preventative treatments such as sealants and semiannual X-rays.”
Phrases like and such as are typically used to add extra but nonrestrictive information to a sentence. You can remove them without altering its overall meaning; if you decide to do so, however, make sure you insert a comma before each phrase that follows them.
Typically, any phrase starting with a conjunction requires a comma before continuing; similarly, use one when as precedes any verbs in a clause.
Example: „Kristen’s Funny Writing box contains clippings about politics, history and science,” which requires no commas; or you could write more formally by using restrictive clauses with no need for commas such as this phrase: „The clippings include topics such as politics history and physics” which does not need commas but should still use one before this phrase to avoid overcrowding your sentence with too many of them.
When should I use like?
Like is used to compare, for instance „he can no longer play cricket because his skills don’t allow for it any more; however, he still enjoys other sports such as tennis and soccer”. Additionally, as can be used as an effective replacement for like in lists that name specific examples; when making comparisons. Remember to add commas before like and sucha as when adding information that does not alter the meaning of a sentence.
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When should I use such as?
While both phrases might seem interchangeable, there are some distinctions to keep in mind when using such as instead. Such as generally indicates that the clause is nonrestrictive or that it expands on an essential point in the sentence. Nonrestrictive clauses do not need commas but should instead be separated from their surrounding sentence with a semicolon for clarity.
Example: You might write that you enjoy reading mystery authors like Agatha Christie and Stephen King, or that sweet treats such as brownies, cakes and cookies are your favorites – both are nonrestrictive clauses which could be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.
But when using such as to indicate restrictions, commas are necessary. This is due to restrictive clauses being essential components of sentences; otherwise their removal would destroy its message entirely. For instance, you could write that you prefer living in large cities such as Boston or Chicago but this would be misleading as it implies you only desire big cities as options – something which is simply not the case!
To avoid confusion and ensure readers understand your meaning, only use commas when necessary – this way ensuring they get it without confusion.
Additionally, be careful to use commas correctly when it comes to other conjunctions; always use „and” when joining two or more subjects into one sentence and „and” rather than „such as” when making comparisons.
Grammar mistakes are one of the most prevalent errors in writing, so it is vital that writers recognize the distinctions between such as and like. By following these tips, you can avoid common grammatical errors and improve your writing. To master English grammar further, try using ProWritingAid’s Grammar Report as it will ensure your writing is error-free by detecting comma splices, run-on sentences and other commonly occurring errors which would otherwise go undetected by humans.
When should I use a comma before like or such as?
At times when using commas in conjunction, there are certain rules you need to abide by when using them correctly. One such rule states that when making comparisons you should include like or such as (such as when writing „She eats such an array of food including vegetables.”) Another use would be when providing additional information not essential for understanding of sentence: For instance „Louie has visited many locations such as New York City, Chicago and San Francisco”.
A comma should also be used when joining two independent clauses that are connected by coordinating conjunctions, words or phrases that create meaning by working together to make meaning. Common examples are and, but and or; other coordinating conjunctions such as nor, yet so and for may also be employed. Using a comma when joining dependent and independent clauses should also be done so. For instance: „She ate such an array of food including broccoli and carrots.”
When there are multiple adjectives modifying one noun, such as in „The balloon was bright red, yet also spherical”, you should use a comma to separate them. However, when there are only two independent modifiers (e.g. „the balloon was bright and red”) then no comma is necessary; that is „The balloon was both bright and red”.
When writing lists, it is essential that commas be used before like and such items to maintain clarity. This practice, known as the Oxford comma, ensures your list remains well balanced; without it, reading may become difficult or may confuse readers.
Understanding when and why to use commas can be confusing, so it’s helpful to remember two simple rules when using them correctly. Doing so will give you peace of mind that your sentences are clear.