Understanding the difference between questions that sound almost identical can be one of the most rewarding breakthroughs in your English learning process. Three questions — What is someone like?, What does someone like?, and What does someone look like? — often confuse learners at every level, yet each one serves a completely different purpose. Mastering them will help you describe people, places, and experiences with confidence.
What is the difference between "what is someone like" and "what does someone like"?
At first glance, these two questions seem nearly identical, but their meanings are worlds apart. "What is your best friend like?" is asking for a description of personality and character [0:42]. A natural answer would be: "She's very intelligent, she's friendly, she's outgoing, and she has a lovely personality."
On the other hand, "What does your best friend like?" is asking about interests and preferences [2:12]. The answer shifts completely: "She likes fruits and vegetables. She also likes rock and contemporary art."
The key lies in the verb structure. When you use is ... like, you are requesting a description. When you use does ... like, you are asking about what a person enjoys — their hobbies, food preferences, or favorite activities.
How does "what does someone look like" fit in?
There is a third question that adds another layer: "What does your best friend look like?" [3:08]. This one is also about descriptions, but it focuses exclusively on physical appearance. A typical answer would be: "She's tall, she's blonde, and she's pretty."
To summarize the three structures clearly:
- What is someone like? — personality and character traits.
- What does someone like? — interests and preferences.
- What does someone look like? — physical appearance only.
Can you use "what is it like" to describe things and experiences?
Absolutely. This structure is not limited to people. You can apply "What is it like?" to describe places, objects, and even experiences [5:00]. Consider these examples from a practical matching activity:
- What is that restaurant like? — "It is expensive, but it is delicious. Maybe it's worthwhile trying it."
- What is that drink like? — "It's cold and sweet. I'm sure it's nice."
- What is your house like? — "It has two bedrooms."
Notice how each answer provides a description, just as it would when talking about a person's character. The pattern remains consistent.
What does "what is it like to be" mean?
A slightly different but equally useful variation is "What is it like to be...?" followed by a profession or role [5:50]. For example: "What is it like to be a teacher?" or "What is it like to be a doctor?" Here, you are inviting someone to describe an experience, and a natural response could be: "It's a very nice job."
This structure works with any occupation or situation, making it extremely versatile for everyday conversation.
How can you practice and remember these three questions?
One of the most effective strategies mentioned is to teach this topic to someone else [7:30]. Whether it is a family member, a friend, or a classmate, explaining these differences out loud helps you consolidate the knowledge far more than simply reading about it.
Here is a quick reference to keep in mind:
- Character and personality: What is Juan like? — He's outgoing and optimistic.
- Interests: What does Juan like? — He likes to dance and to play football.
- Physical appearance: What does Mary look like? — She's brown-haired and not very tall.
Even learners at an intermediate level sometimes struggle with these distinctions, so practicing them early gives you a strong foundation. Try describing your own best friend, your bedroom, or your favorite restaurant using these three questions, and share your answers to keep the conversation going.
