LIKE - LOOK LIKE - BE LIKE

Like can be used

• as verb,  to talk about tastes
 
• as a preposition, with look and be to talk about appearance and ask for descriptions.

Verb : to like

• The verb to like is used to talk about tastes, what we enjoy or prefer.
  
  
  • What sport does Peter like? He likes tennis.
  • What's your favourite food? I like Italian food.

Preposition 'like' + verb 'look'

• Look like is used to ask for and give an opinion about appearance.
  
  
  • What does Peter look like?
    He's tall, with dark hair, and he wears glasses.

Preposition 'like' + verb 'be'

• Be like is used to ask for and give a general description.
  
  
  • What is Julie like?
    She is reliable, pleasant and helpful. She is like a friend.

To sum up:

♦ We use like to talk about tastes and preferences.   ♦ We use look like to describe physical appearance.   ♦ We use be like to describe a person's character.
What does Alex like?  (=what are his preferences).	Alex likes football.  He also likes Chinese food ...  and of course he likes his car!
What does Alex look like?  (=describe his appearance).	He is tall and handsome, and he dresses well.  He's a big guy.  He looks like a rugbyman.
Who does Alex look like?  (=his similarity with another person).	He looks like his father really, but in some ways  he also looks like George Clooney.
What is Alex like?  (=describe his personality).	He is nice and friendly and always willing to help -  a great friend to have.