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!
Use "like" before a noun phrase when you mean similar to someone or something.
2He fought ............... a lion.
Wrong!
Use "like" before the noun phrase "a lion" to make a comparison.
3She looks a bit ............... Princess Diana.
Wrong!
Use "like" before the noun phrase "Princess Diana" to show similarity.
4You look exactly ............... your mother did when she was younger.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "as" and "like" can introduce the comparison clause here, though "as" is more formal.
5On Tuesday, ............... on Friday, the meeting will start at 9:30.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "as" and "like" can compare the two days here, though "as" is more formal.
6I am sending you the bill, ............... agreed.
Wrong!
Use "as" in the reduced clause "as agreed" to mean in the way that was agreed.
7She is good at scientific subjects ............... mathematics.
Wrong!
Use "like" to introduce "mathematics" as an example of a scientific subject.
8He was an atheist, ............... were most of his friends.
Wrong!
Use "as" in the formal pattern "as were most of his friends".
9She works ............... a nurse in a busy hospital.
Wrong!
Use "as" to describe the job or role someone has.
10A butterfly starts life ............... a caterpillar.
Wrong!
Use "as" to describe the stage or form something has at that time.
11In 1939, ............... in 1914, many people feared a long war.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "as" and "like" can compare the two historical situations here, though "as" is more formal.
12............... you know, next Monday's meeting has been cancelled.
Wrong!
Use "As" in the fixed expression "As you know".
Answers
- She looks like her sister.
- He fought like a lion.
- She looks a bit like Princess Diana.
- You look exactly as / like your mother did when she was younger.
- On Tuesday, as / like on Friday, the meeting will start at 9:30.
- I am sending you the bill, as agreed.
- She is good at scientific subjects like mathematics.
- He was an atheist, as were most of his friends.
- She works as a nurse in a busy hospital.
- A butterfly starts life as a caterpillar.
- In 1939, as / like in 1914, many people feared a long war.
- As you know, next Monday’s meeting has been cancelled.