"act like a child" vs "acting like a child"

Question

"act like a child" vs "acting like a child"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Acting like a child' is the present participle form and is used to describe someone's current behavior. 'Act like a child' is the base form and is used to give a general instruction or to talk about behavior in a more general sense.

Last Updated: March 27, 2024

This phrase is used to give someone an instruction to behave in a way that resembles the behavior of a child or to talk about behavior in a more general sense.

Examples:

If you act like a child, you will be treated like one.
Don't act like a child when things don't go your way.

Alternatives:

behave like a child
conduct oneself like a child
display childlike behavior
behave childishly
mimic childish behavior

This phrase is used to describe someone who is currently behaving in a way that resembles the behavior of a child.

Examples:

He's always acting like a child when he doesn't get his way.
Stop acting like a child and take responsibility for your actions.

Alternatives:

behaving like a child
conducting oneself like a child
displaying childlike behavior
behaving childishly
mimicking childish behavior

Answer 1

act like a child

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to give a general instruction or talk about behavior in a more general sense.

Answer 2

acting like a child

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone's current behavior.

"act like a child" vs "acting like a child"

act like a child

acting like a child

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