LIKE and AS

In English, ‘like’ and ‘as’ are often used as synonyms, but they do not have the same meaning or function.

In formal English, ‘like’ is (a) used as a preposition and is linked to the noun in the sentence, (b) used to describe something we enjoy doing, or someone we admire, and (c) is often used to compare two things.

‘As’ can also be used to compare two things. It is also used to (a) name someone’s occupation, and (b) as a joining word.

LIKE

Like is used like a preposition and should be followed by a noun.

• It’s hot in this room. It’s like an oven.
• My sister is like me.
• She eats like a pig.

Like is used to describe something we enjoy doing, or someone we admire.

• I like swimming.
• I like my Maths teacher.

Like is often used to compare two things.

• Your shirt is like mine.
• That car is like the one my mother drives.

AS

As is used as a preposition to talk about someone’s job or the function of a thing.

• He works as a cleaner
• He works as a teacher.
• She likes working as a gym instructor.
• She uses the living room as an office

As can also be used to compare two things that are the same, or are in a similar condition. (Note the use of …as (adjective) as….)

• My house is as big as yours.
• Yesterday, it was as cold as ice.
• My car is as old as your car.

As is also used as a conjunction (a joining word) before a clause.

Nobody can sing, as she can.

Your hair looks nice, as it is now

Complete the following sentences using like or as. Remember that sometimes either word is possible.

1. I joined the company………….. a secretary.
2. Their garden is in a terrible mess. It looks……………….a jungle.
3. I prefer bright colours such………………….. red and yellow.
4. When you’ve finished put everything back ……….it was before.
5. The building looks more ……………….a church than a bank.
6. Stop behaving ………………a fool.
7. Nobody else can make me laugh quite …………… she can.
8. My sister is as old ……….Mary.

Answers

1. I joined the company AS a secretary.
2. Their garden is in a terrible mess. It looks LIKE a jungle.
3. I prefer bright colours such AS red and yellow.
4. When you’ve finished put everything back LIKE/AS it was before.
5. The building looks more LIKE a church than a bank.
6. Stop behaving LIKE a fool.
7. Nobody else can make me laugh quite LIKE she can.
8. My sister is AS old AS Mary.