Both as and like can be used to say that things are similar. Note that like is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or pronoun which acts as its object.
- She looks like her mother.
- He is a teetotaler like his father.
- He fought like a lion.
As is a conjunction. It is used to introduce a clause. As can also be followed by a prepositional phrase.
- He fought as a lion does.
- Nobody loves her as I do.
In American English, like is also used as a conjunction.
Complete the following sentences using like or as.
1A butterfly starts life ............... an egg.
Wrong!
Use "as" for a real stage or form, so the correct answer is "as".
2She worked ............... a teacher for twenty years before becoming a writer.
Wrong!
Use "as" for a real job or role, so the correct answer is "as".
3She looks exactly ............... her mother when she was younger.
Wrong!
Before a noun phrase, the correct comparison word is "like".
4She looks a bit ............... Sharon Stone.
Wrong!
Before a noun phrase, the correct comparison word is "like".
5I am sending you the payment, ............... we agreed.
Wrong!
Use "as" before a clause to mean "in the way that", so the correct answer is "as".
Exercise complete
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Answers
- A butterfly starts life as an egg.
- She worked as a teacher for twenty years before becoming a writer.
- She looks exactly like her mother when she was younger.
- She looks a bit like Sharon Stone.
- I am sending you the payment, as we agreed.