Cool MateApprove vs Like this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Approve
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Like this
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Approve
| Approve | Like this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈpruːv/","/əˈpruːvz/","/əˈpruːvd/","/əˈpruːvɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpruːv/","/əˈpruːvz/","/əˈpruːvd/","/əˈpruːvɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //laɪk ðɪs//🇺🇸 //laɪk ðɪs// |
| Meaning | To agree with something or say it is okay. | To agree with or enjoy something. |
| Example | The committee will approve the new policy next week. | I really like this new restaurant downtown. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | fully, heartily, strongly, of, formally, officially, federally | like this one, like this idea, do it like this |
| Antonyms | disapprove, reject, deny | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Approve of' vs 'approve'. Learners may incorrectly use 'approve of' when not necessary., Confusing 'approve' with 'accept'. They have different meanings., Using 'approving' incorrectly as a noun rather than as a verb. | Using 'like this' without a clear reference., Confusing it with 'such as' in formal writing., Overusing in professional settings. |
| Usage notes | Use 'approve' when formally agreeing to plans, ideas, or documents, typically in work or legal contexts. Avoid in informal conversations where 'okay' or 'sure' might be more appropriate. | Used in casual conversations to express agreement or approval. May not be appropriate in very formal contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Approve vs Like this
What's the difference between Approve and Like this?
Approve: To agree with something or say it is okay. Like this: To agree with or enjoy something.
Which is more common: Approve and Like this?
Approve is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Approve: The committee will approve the new policy next week. Like this: I really like this new restaurant downtown.
Can I use Approve and Like this interchangeably?
Not always. Approve and Like this are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.