Expressions: 'He is like a fool to me', 'He is a fool to me'

[Tom]

Hi

Is there any difference between the following sentences?

1- He is a fool to me.
2- He is like a fool to me.

If the first sentence is also correct, could I say then?

1- I cannot go shopping with anyone fool to me?

Thanks

Tom

[Mister Micawber]

.
They are all odd, Tom. What do you wish to say?
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Tom]

Dear Mr Micawber

I am not really sure if the given expressions are correct, but I have been using them like this.

1- She is like a mother to me.
( used for some respected elderly lady whom one regards as a mother)

2- He is like a teacher to me.

If these expression are grammatically correct, then why I cannot say:

1- He is like a fool to me.
( I intend to say that I look at him or consider him a fool)

Tom

[Mister Micawber]

.
It is a problem of collocation. Like a father/mother to me is a set expression, but the others are not. You will have to remain within the normal grammar:

He seems like a fool to me.

It seems to me that it must be an active relationship, and must be similar to another active but restricted relationship. Even like a teacher seems odd, as teaching can be undertaken by anyone, while only a single individual can actually be one's father or mother.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Conchita]