These words are often confused.
Like is either a verb or preposition. In either case, it is followed by a noun or noun equivalent which acts as its object.
- I like my country.
- She likes playing with her dog.
- She looks like her mother.
- He ran like wind.
- They fought like lions.
- She sings like her mom.
Note that like is not a conjunction and hence it cannot be followed a clause. Instead we use as. As is a conjunction. It can be followed by a clause.
- She sings as her mom does.
Here the conjunction as not only connects the two clauses ‘she sings’ and ‘her mother sings’ but also states that their style of singing is the same.
He walks like his father. OR He walks as his father does.
Without
Without is also a preposition. It is followed by a noun or noun equivalent which acts as its object.
- We cannot go without his permission.
- If he is late, we will have to go without him.
- I don’t think we will be able to win without their support.
Without is not a conjunction and hence it cannot be followed by a clause.
- We cannot go unless he gives us permission. (NOT We cannot go without he gives us permission.)
- We will not be able to win unless they support us. (NOT We will not be able to win without they support us.)
Complete the following sentences.
1. He will not come …………………… . I tell him. (without / unless)
2. The man looks ………………… he is a foreigner. (as / like)
3. She writes ………………….. a pro. (like / as)
