I am reading "Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing (Quick & Dirty Tips)" by Mignon Fogarty. The author explains the difference between like (a preposition) and as (a conjunction), and her rule of thumb is, when there is a verb after it, it's a conjunction.
Then she gives these examples of prepositions:
- Squiggly throws like a raccoon.
- It acted just like my computer.
In both of these sentences, isn't there an implied verb? ("throws like a raccoon does," "acted just like my computer does")
In which case, is making the verb implicit enough to change the role of like from conjunction to preposition?
Best Answer
No, there isn't an implied verb. Rather, you're inferring a verb by imposing the conjunctive definition of "like" rather than the prepositional definition. As a preposition, "like" means: in like manner with; similarly to; in the manner characteristic of. Therefore, rather than inferring a "does" at the end of the two sentences you cite, you should interpret them as follows:
Squiggly throws similarly to a raccoon.
It acted just in the manner characteristic of my computer.
If you read them understanding that "like" is functioning as a preposition and apply its definition as a preposition, you'll see there's no room for your inferred "does" at the end of the sentence.