When to Use 'Like' and 'As'
'Like' and 'as' are often confused since they are both used to compare situations or actions. I will explain the differences:
'Like' (when used as a preposition) is followed by a noun or a pronoun.
E.g. My sister looks nothing like me.
E.g. Sarah speaks just like her mother.
E.g. I've been sweating like a pig today!
'Like' (when used to make comparisons) can be exchanged with 'as though' and they have the same meaning. 'As if' can also sometimes be used in the same way.
E.g. It looks like it will rain.
E.g. It looks as though it will rain.
E.g. It looks as if it will rain.
E.g. She looks like she's going to cry.
E.g. She looks as though she's going to cry.
'As' is used when we refer to a job or a function.
E.g. I've been working as a teacher for ten years. (job)
E.g. I've been using coconut oil as my daily moisturiser for two years. (function)
'As' can also be used to make comparisons. Usually, we use: 'as + adjective + as'.
E.g. I'm not as tall as my brother.
E.g. It's not as fast as my old car.
'As' in comparisons can also be used as a conjunction – followed by a clause with a subject and a verb.
E.g. She moved to Spain, as her sister had.
E.g. She's beautiful, as her whole family are.
Expressions with 'as':
...the same as...
As we agreed...
...as you suggested.
...as we arranged.
E.g. I've got the same one as you!
E.g. As we agreed, I've put the money into your account.
E.g. I went to Edinburgh, as you suggested.
E.g. I'll work on Monday, as we arranged.
Now it's your turn to have a go at practising in the following sentences:
I used to work ____ a driver in 2006. (as/like)
Your car is the same ____ mine. (as/like)
I'm not as good at swimming ____ you. (as/like)
He runs just ____ his dad. (as/like)
It seems ____ it will be a weekend! (as/like)
The teachers are great, ____ all the staff are. (as/like)
Comment below with some more examples and I will give you feedback.
Did you see the blog post about adjectives with 'ing' or 'ed' endings? Find it here.
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Good luck with your English!
Sarah
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Sarah x