Englishfor English speakers
the
Determiner
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Used, instead of a, to reference something specific, already known to exist.
Compare "I read a book." and "I read the book."
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Used with a stress, to show that the word following is special.
Are you the John Smith that I went to school with?
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Used with an adjective that acts like a noun to mean all of the people concerned
The poor are always with us.
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Used with superlatives forms of adjectives and adverbs.
You are the best.
like
Adjective
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similar or the same
She's very like her mother.
Japan is becoming more like the U.S.
They were dressed in like manner.
like
Verb
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To be happy about someone or something; to think that someone or something is good.
I like good food.
like
Noun
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A like is something that you think is good.
Our own likes and dislikes are shaped by what our parents liked.
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At the end of a list of things, and the like means: and other similar things.
She's good at science, math, and the like.
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You use the likes of someone to show that you don't think that person is a good person.
You shouldn't be hanging around with the likes of him.
like
Interjection
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You use like, when you are trying to think about the right words.
He's really, like you know, uh... difficult.
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You use like when the information isn't exactly true.
We went there when we were like five years old.
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You use like when you are trying to make something sound softer.
OK, like, why don't you try going there.
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You use like before what somebody said.
So, I'm like, "What do you mean." And he's like, "you know what I mean."
of
Preposition
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Made using.
It is a house of cards.
which
Determinative
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You use which to ask for the selection of one or more members of some set.
There are a lot of new books this year. Which ones do you like?
Excuse me, which way is the toilet?
Which of the two wines is cheaper?
Which of the following cheeses are usually made from sheep's milk? A. pecorino B. vaccino C. provolone D. chevre.
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You use which to add a clause to explain what thing you're talking about.
For several seconds he sat in silence, during which time the tea and sandwiches arrived.
I'm thinking of getting a new car, in which case I'd get a red one.
which
Pronoun
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You use which to add a clause to give more information about the thing you're talking about.
We've met some problems which are very difficult to handle.
He walked by a door with a sign which reads: PRIVATE OFFICE.
He had to leave, which was very difficult.
We have to protect the environment in which we live.
No art can be properly understood apart from the culture of which it is a part.