Grammar girl here, today's topic is like versus such as.

Now should you write, Chuck enjoys desserts such as brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons?

Or Chuck enjoys desserts like brownies, cheesecake, and macaroons?

Either is acceptable to many grammarians and veteran writers, but let's look at why

using such as is better in this instance.

Note that the second example suggests a comparison, like brownies, whereas the first example

implies inclusion, such as brownies.

And that's precisely what's meant.

In other words, many consider likeness as not being the thing itself.

When you say, desserts like brownies, you're implying that you don't enjoy brownies themselves,

but instead enjoy a different dessert similar to brownies.

It's a subtle difference, but one to be aware of.

Here are a few more examples.

Brad laughs when he hears words such as flabbergasted, rutabaga, and horn swaggle.

The such as tells us that flabbergasted rutabaga and horn swaggle are included in the list of words that make Brad laugh.

Characters like Cinderella, Dracula, and Frankenstein continue to appear in movies and novels.

The like tells us characters that are comparable to Cinderella, Dracula, and Frankenstein continue to appear in movies and novels.

Jill would love to travel to several European cities, such as London, Florence, and Athens.

The such as tells us these are specific cities Jill wants to see.

And finally, Dr. Cofflin dreads at seeing patients like Mrs. Carbunkel.

The like tells us there are other patients as difficult as Mrs. Carbunkel, and Dr. Cofflin doesn't enjoy seeing them either.

And in the following case, the sentence is okay either way, depending on the intended meaning.

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