Citrus fruit such as

[99bottles]

I like citrus fruit, such as/like oranges and lemons.

The sentence above is a random sentence I wrote to use as an example.

Here is the thing. I always use such as, because to me, like sounds ambiguous in such sentences (it might as well mean fruit similar to oranges and lemons, not necessarily including them, so I use such as to avoid ambiguity).

However, I recently read somewhere that such as is formal and native speakers use like more often than not in such cases. Should I go back to my text and replace such as with like in sentences of this kind? Will my text look unnatural or ludicrous with such as?

 

[Yankee]

I like citrus fruit, such as/like oranges and lemons.

The sentence above is a random sentence I wrote to use as an example.

Here is the thing. I always use such as, because to me, like sounds ambiguous in such sentences (it might as well mean fruit similar to oranges and lemons, not necessarily including them, so I use such as to avoid ambiguity).

However, I recently read somewhere that such as is formal and native speakers use like more often than not in such cases. Should I go back to my text and replace such as with like in sentences of this kind? Will my text look unnatural or ludicrous with such as?

I would consider them synonymous terms, but I would prefer "such as" in your example to avoid the use of "like" a second time.

 

[jutfrank]

Should I go back to my text and replace such as with like in sentences of this kind?

You should probably go back, yes. Whether you need to edit anything is hard to say but it's highly likely.

Will my text look unnatural or ludicrous with such as?

Unnatural, very possibly. Ludicrous, probably not.

The choice of word comes from the context. We can't advise you very well if you don't show us the context.

 

[99bottles]

I would consider them synonymous terms, but I would prefer "such as" in your example to avoid the use of "like" a second time.

So, if there was a different verb (e.g. I eat citrus fruit...) would like sound more natural?

On another note, in the meantime, I did further research and found this article, which seems to agree with my initial thoughts...

“Like” Versus “Such As”

Today’s topic is “like” versus “such as.” “Like” Versus “Such As” 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...

www.quickanddirtytips.com

 

[Tarheel]

I agree that it depends on context. However, they are often used interchangeably, your "Chuck" sentences being good examples of that.

 

[Tdol]

So, if there was a different verb (e.g. I eat citrus fruit...) would like sound more natural?

Not to me, but it does sound less unnatural without the same verb.