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LIKE or AS: Difference Between Like and As (with Useful Examples)

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What is the difference between like vs as? The words like and as are often used in similar contexts, but they have distinct meanings and uses. “Like” is used to express similarity or resemblance, while “as” is used to make comparisons or to indicate the role or function of something. It is important to understand the difference between these two words in order to use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Like or As

How to Use the Word “Like”

“Like” is a preposition, used before a noun or pronoun, to say that two things are similar.

Examples:

  • It looks like it is going to rain.
  • The hero feels like he is the most powerful man on earth.
  • He looks like he has had a rough night.
  • In his job he works like a slave.
  • The children swim like fish.
  • The boy runs like a hare.
  • I slept like a baby.

“Like” is sometimes used as a conjunction in daily speech:

  • No body acts like he does
  • Like I said before, I’m happy

How to Use the Word “As”

As“, as a preposition, before a noun or pronoun, is used to refer to jobs or functions,

the role of a person or the use of something.

Examples:

  • My father worked as an accountant.
  • Caroline was employed as a teacher.
  • The author is respected as a writer.
  • He used a saucer as an ashtray.

“As” is also used as a conjunction, joining two clauses:

  • It’s very expensive, as you know.
  • He won the election, as was expected.
  • The phone rang as I was watching television. (=while)
  • Tired as he was he still finished the race.(although)
  • We left the room as it was. (the way in which)
  • Julie may need help as she is new to the job. (=because)

Difference Between Like vs As | Image

Like or As: When to Use Like or As

Like or As

ESLBUZZ

Danny

Sunday 6th of June 2021

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