The words as and like are often confused. As is a conjunction whereas like is a preposition. Can you use them correctly? Test your knowledge with this grammar exercise.
1. She looks .......................... her sister.
2. He fought ....................... a lion.
As is a conjunction. It should be followed by a clause. Like is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase which serves as its object.
3. She looks a bit ........................ Princess Diana.
As is a conjunction. It should be followed by a clause. Like is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase which serves as its object.
4. You look exactly ........................ your mother did when she was younger.
Like is also possible here in an informal style. However, it is considered incorrect in a formal style.
5. On Tuesday, ...................... on Friday, the meeting will start at 9.30.
We use 'as' before a clause and before an expression beginning with a preposition.
6. I am sending you the bill, ........................ we agreed.
As is a conjunction. It should be followed by a clause. Like is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase which serves as its object.
7. She is good at scientific subjects ......................... mathematics.
As is a conjunction. It should be followed by a clause. Like is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase which serves as its object.
8. He was an atheist, .................................. were most of his friends.
In a very formal style, 'as' can be followed by auxiliary verb + subject.
9. Please don't use your nail ......................... a screwdriver.
'As' can be used to say what function or a role a person or thing has.
10. A butterfly starts life ......................... a caterpillar.
We use 'as' to say what category a person or thing belong to.
11. In 1939, ..................... in 1914, everyone wanted war.
Before a prepositional phrase, we use 'as'.
12. ......................... you know, next Monday's meeting has been cancelled.
Answers
1. She looks like her sister.
2. He fought like a lion.
3. She looks a bit like Princess Diana.
4. You look exactly as your mother did when she was younger.
5. On Tuesday, as on Friday, the meeting will start at 9.30.
6. I am sending you the bill, as we agreed.
7. She is good at scientific subjects like mathematics.
8. He was an atheist, as were most of his friends.
9. Please don’t use your nail as a screwdriver.
10. A butterfly starts life as a caterpillar.
11. In 1939, as in 1914, everyone wanted war.
12. As you know, next Monday’s meeting has been cancelled.
