The Short Answer
Use such as when you are introducing specific examples that belong to a larger category.
Use like when you are making a comparison to show similarity between two different things (meaning “similar to”).
“I enjoy citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges.” (Examples)
“She swims like a fish.” (Comparison)
Grammar enthusiasts and professional editors often debate the nuances between these two common phrases. While they are frequently swapped in casual conversation without raising eyebrows, formal writing demands precision. Understanding the distinction ensures your writing remains clear, professional, and logically sound. This guide breaks down exactly when to use each term to avoid common stylistic errors.
Table of Contents
When to Use “Such As”
The phrase such as is the gold standard in professional writing for introducing examples. It signals to the reader that the items following the phrase are part of the specific group just mentioned. You are essentially saying “for example” or “including.”
The “Inclusive” Rule
Think of such as as a container. If the items you are listing are actually inside the category you just named, you must use such as.
If you are listing ingredients for a recipe, you would say: “You need leafy greens, such as spinach and kale.” Spinach and kale are literal examples of leafy greens. They are not just similar to leafy greens; they are leafy greens.
- Structure: Category + such as + Item A, Item B.
- Function: Inclusion and specification.
- Tone: Precise, clear, and suitable for all writing levels.
When to Use “Like”
The word like implies similarity, not identity. In strict grammatical terms, it creates a comparison known as a simile. It tells the reader that one thing shares characteristics with another, but they are not necessarily the same thing.
When you say, “He acts like a child,” you are not saying he is an example of a child. You are comparing his behavior to that of a child. This distinction is crucial in academic and business writing.Source-1✅
The Logic Check
Replace the word with “similar to.” If the sentence still makes sense, “like” is likely the correct choice.
Example: “The cloud looks like (similar to) a rabbit.” (Correct)
Example: “I want a car like (similar to) a Porsche.” (Correct—you want a car that resembles a Porsche, not necessarily a Porsche itself.)
Punctuation: The Comma Dilemma
Using such as correctly also involves knowing where to place your commas. This depends on whether the information is essential (restrictive) or non-essential (non-restrictive) to the meaning of the sentence.
| Context | Punctuation Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Restrictive (Extra Info) | Use a comma before “such as.” | “Citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, are high in Vitamin C.” |
| Restrictive (Essential Info) | Do NOT use a comma. | “Vegetables such as carrots contain Vitamin A.” |
In the first example, removing “such as lemons and limes” leaves the sentence “Citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C,” which is still true. Therefore, commas are needed. In the second example, if you remove the phrase, it becomes “Vegetables contain Vitamin A,” which is too broad (not all vegetables have high Vitamin A), so the specific examples are essential, and no commas are used.Source-2✅
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Language evolves, and modern usage often blurs the lines. In casual speech, texting, or informal blog posts, it is perfectly acceptable to use like to introduce examples. Most native English speakers do this instinctively.
However, editors of academic journals, legal documents, and high-level corporate communications enforce the distinction rigidly. Using “like” when you mean “such as” can make a sentence ambiguous.
Ambiguity Example
“I enjoy dangerous activities like paragliding.”
Formal Interpretation: You enjoy activities that are similar to paragliding (perhaps hang gliding), but not necessarily paragliding itself.
Intended Meaning: You enjoy paragliding.
Correction: “I enjoy dangerous activities such as paragliding.”
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here is a quick reference to ensure you always pick the right word for your specific context.
| Feature | Such As | Like |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Meaning | “For example” | “Similar to” |
| Grammatical Role | Introduction of specific members of a group. | Comparison of two distinct nouns. |
| Formality | High (Academic, Legal, Professional). | Low to Medium (Casual, Creative). |
| Ambiguity Risk | Low. It always means specific inclusion. | Medium. Can be confused with “resemblance.” |
Real-World Examples: Right and Wrong
Seeing these in action helps solidify the rule. Pay attention to whether the sentence describes a similarity or lists a specific member of a group.
- Scenario: Job Application
- Wrong “I have skills like coding and design.”
- Correct “I have skills such as coding and design.”
- Note: You possess these specific skills, they are not just similar to skills you have.
- Scenario: Metaphor
- Wrong “Her voice was soft such as velvet.”
- Correct “Her voice was soft like velvet.”
- Note: A voice cannot be an example of fabric. It is a comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use “like” instead of “such as” in formal writing?
It is generally advised to avoid using “like” for examples in formal writing (academic papers, business reports). While common in speech, strict grammatical standards prefer “such as” for examples and “like” exclusively for comparisons (similes).
Is there a difference in meaning between “like” and “such as”?
Yes. “Such as” implies inclusion (the item mentioned is part of the group). “Like” implies resemblance (the item mentioned is similar to the group but not necessarily part of it). Using them interchangeably can sometimes create ambiguity about whether an item is included or just similar.
Do I always need a comma before “such as”?
Not always. You use a comma if the examples are non-essential (extra information) to the sentence. If the examples are essential to define the noun (restrictive), do not use a comma. For example: “Countries such as Brazil and Peru are in South America” (No comma needed because specifying the countries is essential to the sentence’s context).
Can I start a sentence with “Such as”?
Grammatically, it is rare and often considered a fragment to start a sentence with “Such as.” It usually follows a clause mentioned in the previous sentence. However, in less formal contexts or bullet points, you might see it. A better alternative for starting a sentence is “For example,…”