The wordsas and likeare often confused. As is a conjunction. It is followed by a clause. Like is a preposition. It is followed by a noun. As is also used to say what role a person or thing has. In this case, it is a bit like a conjunction.
Complete the following sentences using as or like.
1She behaves ............... a spoilt brat.
Wrong!
Use "like" before a noun phrase when comparing behaviour to someone or something.
2A crocodile starts life ............... an egg.
Wrong!
Use "as" to describe the role, function, or identity something has.
3He drinks ............... a fish.
Wrong!
Use "like" before a noun phrase in a comparison, so "like" is correct here.
4Nobody loves her ............... I do.
Wrong!
Use "as" before a clause with a subject and verb, so "as" is correct here.
5He was an alcoholic, ............... were most of his friends.
Wrong!
Use "as" before an inverted clause, so "as" is correct here.
6Why do you behave ............... a child?
Wrong!
Use "like" before a noun phrase when comparing behaviour to someone or something.
7He worked ............... a waiter for two years.
Wrong!
Use "as" for someone's job or role, so "as" is correct here.
8She looks ............... her sister.
Wrong!
Use "like" before a noun phrase in a comparison, so "like" is correct here.
9She is quite good at scientific subjects ............... physics and chemistry.
Wrong!
Use "like" to introduce examples, so "like" is correct here.
10He will do it, ............... agreed.
Wrong!
Use "as" in the fixed phrase "as agreed" to mean "in the way agreed".
Exercise complete
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Answers
- She behaves like a spoilt brat.
- A crocodile starts life as an egg.
- He drinks like a fish.
- Nobody loves her as I do.
- He was an alcoholic, as were most of his friends.
- Why do you behave like a child?
- He worked as a waiter for two years.
- She looks like her sister.
- She is quite good at scientific subjects like physics and chemistry.
- He will do it, as agreed.