"like" as a preposition

[msamybd]

Why "like" is a preposition?  Because we generally know prepositions to tell us where, when or show possession, but how come "like" (as in My brother is like this...) is a preposition?

I'm an English teacher abroad in Bangladesh.  I'm doing well in my literature class, but my grammar class is suffering because we weren't taught the rules of grammar in American schools. 

Any help is appreciated!

[luke]

Hi Msamybd,

Normally it's a verb, i.e. to like someone. However, when you use it in the structure 'be like / verb + like' it means something else completely. It is close to 'similar to,' and hence becomes a preposition.

Note the difference between;

I like my father
I am like my father
I walk like my father