26/09/2019
[Grammar]
“Like” VS. “As”
Hey guys! Welcome back to [Grammar].
We generally use “like” and “as” to make comparisons.
1. “Like” Vs. “As”
(1) Like = similar to; the same as. (comparison)
structure: v. + like + n. / pronoun(me/you/him/her/us/them/it)
He speaks like a native speaker. (= He speaks similar to a native speaker)
You look like him.
As = the way; in the same way; in the same condition (comparison)
structure: as + subject(I/you/a dog/they…) + v.
Nobody sings as she does. (= Nobody sings in the same way she does)
They went to the party as they were.
Notice: It is common in American English to use “like” instead of “as”. However, it is generally considered informal to use it in this way.
We play football like champions do.
(2) “As” is also used to say what the role/position/function of a person/thing is. (not a comparison)
He started work as a carpenter.
I worked as an English teacher at the school.
Notice the following similar but different sentences.
As your boss, I must warn you to be careful.
“As your boss” means “I am your boss; I am in the role of boss.” (reality)
Like your boss, I must warn you to be careful.
“Like your boss” means “I am not your boss, but he/she and I have a similar opinion.” (comparison).
2. Other uses of “as”
(1) As + adj. + as (comparison)
We use this structure to talk about people, animals or things which are equal in some way. This is a form of comparison.
Chris is as tall as his brother.
(2) As if
In English, we also use “as if” to make comparisons.
He looks as if he knew the answer, but he doesn’t.