Can you use 'like' to mean 'such as'?

I like “like.”

Specifically, I like “like” to mean “such as.” And the reason I like “like” is because so many of the writers I edit have been conditioned to dislike “like.”

It, like, drives me bonkers.

“Along with exciting new menu items such as tilapia tacos and roasted corn guacamole, you’ll find innovative craft cocktails such as mango margaritas, along with new seating options such as patio, bar and dining room.”

Are all those “such ases” really necessary? No. Are any of those “such ases” necessary? Again, I would argue no.

I delve into the origins of this trend, along with some guidance on how to use "like," in my latest column. 

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