As and Like

Two of the most confusing words in the English language is ‘as’ and ‘like’. This is because both are used to compare actions or situations. However, it is important to note some significant differences.

USES OF ‘AS’

• to talk about job or function

I worked as a marketing specialist for 4 years after graduating from the university.
She used her credit card as a key to unlock her door.

• to make comparisons (as adjective as)

You always have to be as efficient as all your other colleagues.
It’s as good as it gets.

• to make comparisons (as conjunction followed by an independent clause)

Claire attended Harvard University, as her mother had before her.
He’s a talented musician, as most of his friends are.

USES OF ‘LIKE’

• preposition followed by a noun or a pronoun

She slept like a baby all night.
All of my friends are much like her.
His children talk just like their mother.

• to make comparisons (Like and As if/As though)

She looks as if she’s been to war.
They danced as though no one’s watching.
It looks like your bag handle’s going to break.

Some expressions that use ‘as’:

As you know, our boss is going to be on leave for two weeks.
They tried using the application as you suggested but the result still wasn’t good.
As we agreed, the team will be attending the training all week.
Our competitor’s proposal is the same as ours!