Conventions of Composition Rule 200 Practice

1. Wrong: Elise and Nathalie danced like they could have been in Chicago's Joffrey Ballet Company.

Better: Elise and Nathalie danced as if they could have been in Chicago's Joffrey Ballet Company.

Explanation: The like in the original sentence can't introduce a dependent clause.

2. Wrong: Vladimir wanted to eat like a hundred soft-serve ice creams.

Better: Vladimir wanted to eat approximately a hundred soft-serve ice creams.

Explanation: Like doesn't mean approximately.

3. Wrong: On their camping trip, Liam and Oscar brought supplies like a tent, sleeping bags, and a water filter.

Better: On their camping trip, Liam and Oscar brought supplies, such as a tent, sleeping bags, and a water filter.

Explanation: If they brought supplies like those named, then they didn't bring the actual objects named. Such as includes the named objects.

4. Wrong: Like my mother always says, "Treat other people like you want to be treated."

Better: As my mother always says, "Treat other people as you want to be treated."

Explanation: Like can't begin either dependent clause.