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Preposition before noun

“Like shit” vs. “of shit”

“Like shit” is a common slang comparison. “Of shit” usually appears only inside larger noun phrases.

Quick answer

Which phrase is idiomatic?

Use “like shit” in informal slang to mean very badly or unpleasantly. “Of shit” is not normally used alone, but it can appear in phrases such as “a pile of shit.”

I feel like shit today.
The movie was treated like shit by critics.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
feel like shit

Describing a bad physical or emotional state

Very informal slang meaning to feel terrible.

After the flight, I felt like shit.
2
treated like shit

Describing poor treatment

An informal expression for unfair or cruel treatment.

Employees were treated like shit by management.
3
pile of shit

Using “of shit” inside a noun phrase

“Of shit” works when another noun comes before it.

The field was covered in a pile of shit.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
like shit
The food tasted like shit.
very bad; vulgar slang
of shit
a bag of shit
part of a noun phrase
shit about
He does not know shit about cars.
slang intensifier

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of shit” as a complete phrase

It normally needs another noun before it.

✕ I feel of shit. ✓ I feel like shit.

Using vulgar slang in formal writing

“Like shit” is very informal and offensive in some contexts.

✓ I feel terrible.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. After the fever, she felt ___ shit.
2. They treated him ___ shit.
3. A pile ___ shit blocked the path.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “like shit” offensive?

Yes. It is vulgar slang and unsuitable in many formal situations.

Can “of shit” be correct?

Yes, inside larger noun phrases such as “piece of shit.”

What is a polite alternative to “like shit”?

You can say “terrible,” “awful,” or “very bad.”

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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