When to Use Like vs Such As
Accuracy is an important aspect of science and medicine. But this accuracy does not only apply to hypotheses, experiments, and data analysis. It also applies to the accuracy of the words used to describe that information.
In scientific and medical writing, a common inaccuracy is misusing the terms like and such as. Although these words may seem similar, they have different meanings.
Like suggests a comparison.
Examples
The cells grew rapidly, like cancer cells.
The patient had symptoms like those seen with the flu.
Such as introduces examples.
Examples
The scientist discovered several cell types in the tissue, such as neurons and fibroblasts.
The patient presented with common symptoms, such as fever and chills.
When you’re not sure which word to use, you can substitute the synonyms similar to (for like) and including (for such as).
Examples
The cells grew rapidly, similar to cancer cells.
The patient had symptoms similar to those seen with the flu.
The scientist discovered several cell types in the tissue, including neurons and fibroblasts.
The patient presented with common symptoms, including fever and chills.
