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Having a hard figure that one out
- Thread starter ErylRavenwell
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I was pretty sure "like", as a noun, is used mostly in the plural. But there are always exceptions (like: "was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like (like singular)), and you cannot trust what you hear everyday to be correct. Thanks a lot.
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Ayup. I use google a lot as a statistical tool. "the like of him" returns only 16K (about 5 times less than "the likes of him") and they're mostly from amateur sources.
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@Beezle and sage.
Would you write "We'll never see his like again" or rather "We'll never see his likes again"?
Would you write "We'll never see his like again" or rather "We'll never see his likes again"?
I think it's still "likes" (& my roommate seconded it, though she said she's only used it as "the likes of him.")
ETA: According to dictionary.com, it can be either.
ETA: According to dictionary.com, it can be either.
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Google
The majority of those who use Google worldwide are either semi-literate, or non-English speakers. As a statistical tool, statistics say you should usually believe the opposite of whatever Google has to say when used in this manner.
Ayup. I use google a lot as a statistical tool. "the like of him" returns only 16K (about 5 times less than "the likes of him") and they're mostly from amateur sources.
The majority of those who use Google worldwide are either semi-literate, or non-English speakers. As a statistical tool, statistics say you should usually believe the opposite of whatever Google has to say when used in this manner.
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That what I would have written as well, but "like" is correct. It's from the dictionary, but there's no explanation as when to use "likes" and "like", other than "likes" is used oftener.
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I disagree. The majority is usually in the right (and they dictate the rules). This can be easily confirmed through tests. And I don't use Google blindly; I look for respectable sources for confirmation.
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Ok. I'm checking Merriam-Webster, it says you could use either forms (singular or plural) as well. Great!
- the likes of also the like of
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I think there is a meaning difference:
We'll never see the like of him again
= We'll never see even a single person who equals him. For example: you couldn't find even one person as underhanded and crafty as this guy.
We'll never see the likes of him again
= We'll never see people of his sort again. For example: we'll never see outlaws again (not even ones somewhat less underhanded and crafty as this guy turned out to be).
But maybe I'm making that up.
We'll never see the like of him again
= We'll never see even a single person who equals him. For example: you couldn't find even one person as underhanded and crafty as this guy.
We'll never see the likes of him again
= We'll never see people of his sort again. For example: we'll never see outlaws again (not even ones somewhat less underhanded and crafty as this guy turned out to be).
But maybe I'm making that up.
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