Grammar Quiz: Sensory Verbs with Like

Sensory Verbs with Like

• Use like after sensory verbs to show that two things are similar, such as: smells like, feels like, looks like, sounds like, tastes like.
• Examples:
  • The shampoo smells like coconuts.
  • Your hair feels like silk.
  • They look like movie stars.
  • Her alarm sounds like a bird.
  • This butter tastes like garlic.

Expressing Degree of Similarity

• Use a little or a lot before like to express the degree of similarity.
• Examples:
  • She looks a little like her mother.
  • This tofu tastes a lot like chicken.

Sensory Verbs vs. Action Verbs

• Sensory verbs express states, not actions.
• Avoid using sensory verbs in the present continuous tense.
• Correct examples:
  • My room smells like flowers.
• Incorrect examples:
  • My room is smelling like flowers.