In English, "as" and "like" are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they have distinct grammatical roles and meanings. Understanding the difference between "as" and "like" can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency in English. This blog post will explain the differences, provide examples, and offer exercises to practice their correct usage.
AS
It used to indicate the function or role of a person or thing, or to compare actions or qualities. It can also be used to introduce a clause.
Function or Role:
She works as a teacher.
He served as the president of the club.
Comparison of Actions or Qualities:
He runs as fast as his brother.
She sings as beautifully as a professional singer.
Introducing a Clause:
As I was walking home, it started to rain.
As you know, we will have a meeting tomorrow.
Examples:
As a doctor, she must be on call all the time.
You should do it as I told you.
He behaved as if he owned the place.
Phrases and Idioms with "As"
As far as - To the extent or degree of something.
As far as I know, he’s coming to the party.
As well as - In addition to.
She’s an excellent singer as well as a talented pianist.
As soon as - Immediately at the moment when.
Call me as soon as you arrive.
As if - In a manner similar to; as though.
He acted as if he didn’t care.
As good as - Nearly; almost.
The deal is as good as done.
LIKE
"Like" is primarily used to indicate similarity between two things. It is often followed by a noun or pronoun.
Similarity:
She looks like her mother.
This fabric feels like silk.
Informal Usage in Comparisons:
He runs like the wind.
It sounds like you have a cold.
Examples:
He plays the guitar like a rock star.
This tastes like chicken.
She smiled like she had a secret.
Phrases and Idioms with "Like"
Like father, like son - Sons often resemble their fathers in behaviour or character.
Like father, like son; they both love fishing.
Feel like - To want to do something.
I feel like going for a walk.
Look like - To appear similar to.
She looks like her sister.
Act like - To behave in a manner similar to.
Don’t act like you know everything.
Like a fish out of water - To feel uncomfortable or awkward in a situation.
He felt like a fish out of water at the formal event.
Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose "As" or "Like"
Fill in the blanks with "as" or "like".
He works ___ a consultant for the company.
She looks ___ she’s seen a ghost.
He speaks French ___ a native.
___ I mentioned earlier, we need to submit the report by Friday.
They acted ___ if they had never met us before.
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Identify and correct the incorrect use of "as" or "like" in the following sentences.
He acts like he owns the place.
She’s working like a nurse at the hospital.
Do it like I showed you.
They fought as cats and dogs.
She sings like she is a professional.
Exercise 3: Choose the correct word, "as" or "like," to complete the sentences below.
1. He was hired ___ an advisor to the project, though he contributed little to the
final outcome.
2. She dances ___ she has been practicing for years, even though she just
started last month.
3. ___ the head of the department, she has the authority to make final decisions
on the budget.
4. The sky turned dark ___ a storm was approaching, filling the air with tension.
5. They moved through the dense forest quietly, ___ shadows blending into the
night.
6. His comments were perceived ___ a direct insult by many in the audience.
7. She completed the marathon ___ a true champion, pushing through the pain
to cross the finish line.
8. The old mansion stood on the hill ___ a guardian of the town, watching over it
through the years.
9. He spends money ___ there’s no tomorrow, without any thought for saving.
10. The children ran around the garden ___ bees buzzing from flower to flower,
full of energy and excitement.
Answer Keys
Exercise 1: Answers
He works as a consultant for the company.
She looks like she’s seen a ghost.
He speaks French like a native.
As I mentioned earlier, we need to submit the report by Friday.
They acted as if they had never met us before.
Exercise 2: Answers
He acts like he owns the place. (Correct)
She’s working as a nurse at the hospital. (Incorrect -> Correct)
Do it like I showed you. (Correct)
They fought like cats and dogs. (Incorrect -> Correct)
She sings like she is a professional. (Correct)
Exercise 3:
1. He was hired as an advisor to the project, though he contributed little to the
final outcome.
2. She dances like she has been practicing for years, even though she just
started last month.
3. As the head of the department, she has the authority to make final decisions
on the budget.
4. The sky turned dark as a storm was approaching, filling the air with tension.
5. They moved through the dense forest quietly, like shadows blending into the
night.
6. His comments were perceived as a direct insult by many in the audience.
7. She completed the marathon like a true champion, pushing through the pain
to cross the finish line.
8. The old mansion stood on the hill like a guardian of the town, watching over it
through the years.
9. He spends money like there’s no tomorrow, without any thought for saving.
10. The children ran around the garden like bees buzzing from flower to flower,
full of energy and excitement.
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