like to like vs like for like

Both "like to like" and "like for like" are correct phrases, but they're used in different contexts. "Like to like" is used to describe a comparison or similarity between two things, while "like for like" is in the context of exchanging or replacing something with an equivalent. The two phrases aren't interchangeable.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: June 27, 2024 • 3899 views

This phrase is correct and is used to describe a comparison or similarity between two things.

"like to like"

This phrase is used to indicate a comparison or similarity between two things that are alike or similar in some way.

Show examples from the web [+]

I like to like what's better to like.
I want to feel what it felt like to like each other once more
If we cairl Philo likes to like him, then it'll give him something to live for.
Sampling was applied and any comparison was carried out on a like-to-like basis.
Tonight, you will learn what it's like to be like us.
Nobody likes to live like an animal.
Sounds like to me like your apology wasn't entirely sincere.
Men like to pretend like the past never happened.
Likes to sound like a buccaneer.
He likes to act like he does.
I'd like to walk like a normal person.
I like to pretend like I'm your lover on the down-low, Theodore K. Mullins.
Nothing, I just like to go like this.
I'd stand at the rail, try to imagine what it felt like to fly like that.
I'd like to feel like myself again.
I would like to sleep like him.
He just likes to feel like he's in control, even if he isn't.
You'd like to cry like a very sad little girl.
I'd really like to be like my dad.
I'd like you to like me.

Alternatives:

similar to
comparable to
like unto

This phrase is correct and is used in the context of exchanging or replacing something with an equivalent.

"like for like"

This phrase is used when referring to a direct exchange or replacement of something with an equivalent item or value.

Show examples from the web [+]

Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, not necessarily on a like for like basis but with similar technical and functional characteristics.
large power transformers which are like for like replacements in the same physical location/installation for existing large power transformers, where this replacement cannot be achieved without entailing disproportionate costs associated to their transportation and/or installation,
Consumer choice should mean being able to make like for like comparisons.
Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, albeit not necessarily on a like for like basis.
The thing is that, when... Whenever I'm dating anyone, even if it's like for like three months or a month, or even a week...
Until I got on track, and had everything like for like, I wasn't obviously sure how it would go, but coming into it, I didn't expect to be, you know, the guy following him every weekend.
Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, albeit not necessarily on a like for like basis.
Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, ▐ not necessarily on a like for like basis but with similar technical and functional characteristics.
In terms of price comparisons, any differences are properly accounted for in the structure of the product type comparison system employed in this investigation ('PCN-system') which means that only like for like comparisons would be made.
Providing clear and easy to understand information is essential for customers to be able to make like for like comparisons of suppliers.
Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, albeit not necessarily on a like for like basis.
Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, although not necessarily on a like-for-like basis.
That compares favourably with the average bill for Member States calculated on a like-for-like basis of 13.1% of budget.
Temporary replacement of damaged or lost mobility equipment, albeit not necessarily on a like-for-like basis.
Traded likes for likes, and before long,
On a 2008 like-for-like basis a balance sheet reduced to EUR 239,4 billion corresponds to EUR 206 billion, which is a reduction of 51 %.
a list of spare parts, including a sufficiently detailed technical description of each part to allow like-for-like replacement with the same guarantees;
Remember when we lost his nose for like... for like ever?
You know what it's like for people like us.
Like only for, like, mean people.

Alternatives:

equivalent exchange
direct replacement
equal value

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like to like vs like for like

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