As and Like

What’s the difference?

• During the holidays I worked as a barman
• He sometimes talks like the Pope
• We worked like slaves all week
• As a veteran, Dom knows a lot about
rugby
• He talks like a real veteran
• As your boss, I must insist on punctuality
• Like your boss, I must insist on punctuality
• I can talk like Donald Duck
 BASIS FOR COMPARISON LIKE AS

Meaning The word 'like' is used to mean 'similar to' or The word 'as' is used in sentences to
'the same as'. It can also be used to give highlight the job, appearance or function. It
some examples. can also be used to mean 'in the same
way.'

Comparison Chart

Parts of Speech Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition and Adverb, Preposition and Conjunction
Conjunction

When followed by noun It refers to 'similar to or the same way as'. It refers to 'in the role of'.

Comparison Like is followed by a noun phrase. As is followed by a clause.

Examples Nick dances like Michael Jackson. As I told you, I would be moving to Delhi,
this week.

Talking to you is like talking to a 3 years She has been working as a

baby. cinematographer.

I wish I could have a house like yours. He is late for the class, as always.
 Like versus As

As = in the role of; in the capacity of

Like = similar to; imitating

 With a verb, use “as”:

• As you know, today we are going to ...

• Treat other people as you would like them
to treat you
• As you like. I don’t mind.
• Nobody loves you as I do
• Do as I say, not as I do
 As or Like?
• He sometimes talks ...... the King
• ...... we said, today we are going to ...
• Treat your staff ...... you would like them to
treat your customers
• Do as I say, not ...... I do
• I can talk ...... Donald Duck
• He talks ...... a real expert on the subject
• ...... a parent, I know how you feel
 As or Like?
• We worked ...... slaves all week
• ...... a veteran, Dom knows a lot about rugby
• During the holidays I worked ...... a postman
• ...... your boss, I must insist on punctuality
• Nobody loves you ...... I do
• ...... you prefer. I don’t mind
• ...... a member of this club, I protest