Like and As
Choosing between like (preposition) and as (conjunction and preposition) in comparisons and roles
Like = Similar To
Like is a preposition meaning “similar to” or “the same as.” Because it is a preposition, it is followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form.
- This conference room is huge. It’s like a theatre. (not
as a theatre) - Be careful on the stairs. It’s like walking on ice. (not
as walking) - I can’t work in weather like this. (not
as this) - What’s that sound? It sounds like a printer jamming.
Like can also mean “for example.” You can use such as instead.
- We use many digital tools, like spreadsheets, databases, and project trackers.
- We use many digital tools, such as spreadsheets, databases, and project trackers.
As + Subject + Verb
As means “in the same way as” or “in the same condition as.” Use as before a subject + verb.
- I left the report as it was. I didn’t change anything.
- Please complete the form as I showed you.
In informal English, like can replace as before subject + verb:
- Please complete the form like I showed you.
But when there is no verb — only a noun or pronoun — you must use like:
- You should format it like this. (not
as this)
Note these fixed expressions with as:
- as usual / as always — You’re late as usual.
- the same as — Your laptop is the same as mine. (not
the same like)
As = What (After do)
After do, as can mean “what”:
- You can do as you like. (= do what you like)
- They did as they promised. (= They did what they promised.)
You will also see as used in comment clauses such as as you know, as I said, as she expected:
- *As you know, the deadline is next Friday.*
- The project was delayed, as we expected.
Like is not usual in these expressions, except with say: Like I said, we can fix this.
As = In the Role Of (Preposition)
When as is used as a preposition (as + noun), it describes someone’s actual role, job, or function. Compare with like:
| as (= it’s my role) | like (= similar to) |
|---|---|
| *As a project manager, I run daily stand-ups.* (I am a project manager.) | Everyone asks me to organise things. I’m like a project manager. (I’m not one, but I’m similar.) |
More examples of as describing a role or function:
- She worked as an analyst for three years. (That was her job.)
- Many words can be used as verbs or nouns.
- The news came as a complete surprise.
Quick Self-Check
This house is beautiful. It's _____ a palace.
Select your answer:
I didn't move anything. I left everything _____ it was.
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Hannah has been working _____ a waitress for the last two months.
Select your answer:
Your phone is the _____ mine.
Select your answer:
_____ you know, the quarterly report is due next week.
Select your answer: