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acting like a child vs act 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 • 612 views

acting like a child

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone's current 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.
  • Jacob, stop acting like a child.
  • Fine. Keep acting like a child.
  • He was acting like a child.
  • I know what you think. I'm acting like a child, but...
  • Just stop acting like a child, please!
  • Instead of being sorry, why don't you stop acting like a child and grow up?
  • It is time you stopped acting like a child and started behaving like a gentleman.
  • If I'm acting like a child, it's because you're treating me like one.
  • I'm tired of spending my time waiting for you to quit acting like a child... and act like a grown man for a change, Mays!
  • Aidan, tell her she's acting like a child.
  • You're acting like a child, Shawn.
  • Maybe you could stop acting like a child...
  • You're acting like a child.
  • I was out there acting like a child.
  • You're acting like a child.
  • Harold, you are acting like a child.
  • And you are acting like a child.
  • You think that I was acting like a child by living with Booth and Dr. Brennan.
  • You think that I was acting like a child by living with Booth and Dr. Brennan.
  • Dorothy Treacher, if you continue acting like a child, I shall put you across my knee.

Alternatives:

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

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.

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.
  • Abuzer, don't act like a child.
  • Eat, don't act like a child.
  • Cesira, don't act like a child, I'm perfectly fine.
  • La Torre, please at your age it is a bit late to act like a child, don't you think?
  • That's probably why I act like a child nowadays.
  • He can show some life, even act like a child.
  • I have to do that cause you act like a child all the time.
  • Kate, if you're going to act like a child, - the kiddy pool is over there.
  • I can't teach you if you act like a child.
  • Look, I know the damage that I caused because I just wanted to run around, play ball like a child, act like a child...
  • You want to act like a child, I'll treat you like one.
  • Don't act like a child, wait!
  • Don't act like a child!
  • Under these conditions, the EU continues to act like a child living under the legal authority of its parents: the European Communities.
  • I still treat you like a child because you act like a child.
  • If you want to act like a child and play games... then find someone else...

Alternatives:

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

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