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.
1She looks ............... her sister.
Wrong!
2He fought ............... a lion.
Wrong!
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.
3She looks a bit ............... Princess Diana.
Wrong!
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.
4You look exactly ............... your mother did when she was younger.
Wrong!
Like is also possible here in an informal style. However, it is considered incorrect in a formal style.
5On Tuesday, ............... on Friday, the meeting will start at 9.30.
Wrong!
We use 'as' before a clause and before an expression beginning with a preposition.
6I am sending you the bill, ............... we agreed.
Wrong!
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.
7She is good at scientific subjects ............... mathematics.
Wrong!
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.
8He was an atheist, ............... were most of his friends.
Wrong!
In a very formal style, 'as' can be followed by auxiliary verb + subject.
9Please don't use your nail ............... a screwdriver.
Wrong!
'As' can be used to say what function or a role a person or thing has.
10A butterfly starts life ............... a caterpillar.
Wrong!
We use 'as' to say what category a person or thing belong to.
11In 1939, ............... in 1914, everyone wanted war.
Wrong!
Before a prepositional phrase, we use 'as'.
12............... you know, next Monday's meeting has been cancelled.
Wrong!
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- She looks like her sister.
- He fought like a lion.
- She looks a bit like Princess Diana.
- You look exactly as your mother did when she was younger.
- On Tuesday, as on Friday, the meeting will start at 9.30.
- I am sending you the bill, as we agreed.
- She is good at scientific subjects like mathematics.
- He was an atheist, as were most of his friends.
- Please don’t use your nail as a screwdriver.
- A butterfly starts life as a caterpillar.
- In 1939, as in 1914, everyone wanted war.
- As you know, next Monday’s meeting has been cancelled.
