Using Like to Describe People

When somebody talks about a person that we don't know, we lask questions about their personality, their appearance and what interests them. We can ask all three of these questions using the word, "like."


"What is he like?" - Personality (can be used for appearance)

When we want to know about somebody's personality and character we ask, "what is he/she like?" Here is an example:

• I met somebody at my English course. He's called Matt.
• What is he like?
• Well, he's very nice and friendly but a little shy.

"What does she look like?" - Appearance

• Have you met Michael's new girlfriend?
• No, what does she look like?
• She's tall, has dark hair and is very pretty.

"What music do you like?" - Interests and Preferences

• (at a party)... I love going to concerts and gigs too! What music do you like?
• I really like folk music, but also like rock and indie.

Notice that with the first two examples we don't use like in the affirmative. This is because 'like' is only a verb in the last example.
Can we use the word 'like' in different ways? Can you think of some examples?

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Three Common Present Perfect Errors

When using the English present perfect there are some common mistakes made by speakers. This article will look at some of the most common errors made. It will also give some tips for English learners when using this tense.

Common Error No. 1

The first error using the wrong preposition. When using the present perfect to state where you have visited before using the verb ‘to be,’ many students use the preposition ‘in’ instead of ‘to.’

Where have you been?

• I’ve been to France, Spain and Italy. (NOT – I’ve been in..)
• This week I’ve been to London and Brighton. (NOT – I’ve been in..)

Common Error No. 2

Another common error is using the present simple instead of the present perfect when talking about actions that started in the past and continue in the present.

• I have been a student since 2009. (NOT – I am a student since 2009)
• She has been in France for 3 years. (NOT – She is in France for 3 years)

Common Error No.3

Time expressions are important with the present perfect as mistakes are made when the wrong time expressions are used. Note that specific time expressions in the past can’t be used with the present perfect.

• I’ve drunk three cups of coffee today. 
• We haven’t studied a lot this semester.

Limiting these common errors and using the present perfect tense correctly will make you improve your English and help you speak more freely.

Phrasal Verbs #1 - Put Up

This is a series of new posts that I will write about phrasal verbs. You will find the meaning of phrasal verbs along with some examples.

Phrasal Verbs #1 - Put Up (Three Meanings) - Put up has three main meanings.


1. To place something on the wall.

• He put up the picture in the living room - He put it up in the living room.

2. To tolerate something - (We need to add "with" here)

• I can't put up with the noise at night - I can't put up with it.
• I won't put up with your behaviour (a mother talking to her child) - I won't put up with it.

3.  To build or erect something

• We need to put up the tent before it's dark - We need to put it up before it is dark.

What Should I do Now?

Phrasal verbs need practise.

1. Write them in your English book. 
2. Create new sentences using the phrasal verb and use different tenses when applying them.
3. Are there more meanings for put up? What are they?

Please use the comment box below to write your examples and the other meanings.

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