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 • 753 views

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

"acting like a child"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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

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

"act like a child"

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.

Show examples from the web [+]

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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acting like a child vs act like a child