What is the role of 'like'

[rah_pandey]

Along with the drop in producer prices annonced yesterday , the strong retail sales figures released today seem like it is indicative that the economy, although growing slowly , is not nearing a recession.

A. same
B. as if to indicate
C. to indicate that
D. indicative of
E. like an indication of

What is the role of 'like'. Can presence of 'like' be a reason for eliminating a answer choice.

[SanjeevK]

IMO C
a: "seem like it is indicative that the economy" is awkard.
b: that is required after indicate. Also "as if" is redundant
d: "indicative of" seems to indicate the economy and not its "nearing a recession".
e: same as d

[real2008]

Along with the drop in producer prices annonced yesterday , the strong retail sales figures released today seem like it is indicative that the economy, although growing slowly , is not nearing a recession.

A. same
B. as if to indicate
C. to indicate that
D. indicative of
E. like an indication of

What is the role of 'like'. Can presence of 'like' be a reason for eliminating a answer choice.

it is indicative: an awkward usage

[Domnu]

Along with the drop in producer prices annonced yesterday , the strong retail sales figures released today seem like it is indicative that the economy, although growing slowly , is not nearing a recession.

A. same
B. as if to indicate
C. to indicate that
D. indicative of
E. like an indication of

What is the role of 'like'. Can presence of 'like' be a reason for eliminating a answer choice.

No, I don't think you can do that... E is thrown out because if that were the answer, the original stem would no longer be a full sentence.