Choosing between such as and like is one of the most common dilemmas in the English language. While they are often swapped in casual conversation without anyone batting an eye, there is a distinct difference in formal writing and professional environments. If you want to polish your grammar and ensure your meaning is precise, understanding the nuance between inclusion and comparison is key.
Whether you are drafting a business email, writing an academic paper, or just want to sound more articulate, knowing when to use which phrase will elevate your writing. Let’s break down the rules, the exceptions, and the easy tricks to remember them.
The Main Difference: Examples vs. Comparison
To keep it simple, the distinction boils down to intent. Are you listing actual members of a group, or are you painting a picture through comparison?
1. Such As
Function: Inclusion / Listing
Use such as when you are introducing specific examples that fit into the category you just mentioned. It effectively means “for example.”
“Citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, are sour.”
2. Like
Function: Comparison / Similitude
Use like when you want to show that two things are similar or share characteristics. It effectively means “similar to.”
“The fruit looked like a lemon, but it was sweet.”
Deep Dive: When to Use “Such As”
In the world of strict grammar, such as is the heavyweight champion for introducing examples. When you use it, you are telling the reader that the items following are part of the main group. This is the preferred choice for formal writing, resumes, and academic papers.
Consider this sentence: “We visited many European cities, such as Paris, London, and Berlin.”
Here, Paris, London, and Berlin are literal examples of the European cities visited. You are not comparing the cities; you are listing them. If you are ever in doubt while writing a professional document, such as is almost always the safer bet for listing items.
Grammar Tip: You can check your work by replacing the phrase with “for example.” If the sentence still makes sense, “such as” is the correct choice.
Deep Dive: When to Use “Like”
The word like is a preposition that is perfect for making comparisons. It suggests that the item following it is similar to the subject but is not necessarily included in the group.
Look at the subtle difference here:
- “I want to visit a place like Paris.”
In this sentence, the speaker might not actually want to go to Paris. They want to go somewhere that has the characteristics of Paris—perhaps romantic, historic, or busy—but it could be Vienna or Prague. They are looking for a similarity, not the specific example.
The “Casual” Exception
In modern, spoken English, flexibility is common. If you are texting a friend or writing a casual blog post, saying “I enjoy hobbies like reading” is perfectly natural and accepted. However, style guides (like The Chicago Manual of Style) still recommend sticking to the distinction in published text to avoid ambiguity.
Punctuation: The Comma Dilemma
Once you have chosen the right word, the next hurdle is punctuation. Do you need a comma before such as? The answer depends on whether the information is essential (restrictive) or extra (non-restrictive).
✅ Comma Needed
If the sentence makes sense without the examples, put a comma before “such as.”
“Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are high in Vitamin C.”
(Removing the examples leaves “Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C,” which is still true.)
❌ No Comma Needed
If the examples define the category and are essential to the meaning, do not use a comma.
“Employees such as John and Mary deserve a raise.”
(Removing names changes the meaning to “All employees deserve a raise,” which isn’t the intent.)
Quick Comparison Table
Here is a snapshot to help you decide which word fits your context.
| Feature | Such As | Like |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Meaning | Inclusive examples (part of the group) | Comparison (similar to the group) |
| Formality | Formal / Professional / Academic | Informal / Conversational |
| Replacement Test | “For example” | “Similar to” |
| Ambiguity Risk | Low | High (Can imply exclusion) |
Why does ambiguity matter?
Imagine writing: “Do not use toxic chemicals like bleach.”
A lawyer might argue this means you cannot use chemicals similar to bleach, but bleach itself might be technically allowed because “like” implies comparison, not inclusion. Using “toxic chemicals such as bleach” removes all doubt—bleach is definitely forbidden.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced writers trip up on these nuances. Watch out for these traps:
- Trap 1: “Such as… and the like.”
Avoid ending a sentence with “and the like” if you started with “such as.” It is redundant.
Wrong: “Buy ingredients such as flour, sugar, and the like.”
Right: “Buy ingredients such as flour and sugar.” - Trap 2: Using a colon incorrectly.
You generally do not need a colon after “such as.”
Wrong: “I have many tools such as: a hammer and saw.”
Right: “I have many tools, such as a hammer and saw.”
If you are writing for work, school, or publication, stick to “such as” for examples. It is precise, elegant, and grammatically bulletproof. Save “like” for when you are actually comparing two different things or chatting with friends.
