What is ‘Like’ and How Do We Use It?
Like is mainly used as a preposition to show similarity or comparison. It means ‘similar to’ or ‘in the same way as’.
- Wir verwenden like before a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb + -ing).
- It describes how something looks, feels, sounds, or behaves.
You can also use like to introduce examples, similar to such as.
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Machen Sie unseren KOSTENLOSEN EinstufungstestWhat is 'As' and How Do We Use It?
As has several important uses. It can be a preposition or a conjunction.
- As a Preposition: As describes the function, role, or purpose of a person or thing. It means 'in the role of' or 'in the capacity of'.
- As a Conjunction: As can connect two clauses. It means 'in the way that', 'at the same time that', or 'because'. When used as a conjunction, as is followed by a subject and a verb.
As also appears in many fixed phrases, such as as usual oder as a result.
When to Use 'Like' or 'As' for Examples?
Beides like und such as can introduce examples. They both mean 'for example'.
- Like is more common in informal speech and writing.
- Such as is generally more formal and is often preferred in academic or formal contexts.
Verbs Often Followed by 'As'
Some verbs are commonly followed by as to describe how something is seen, known, or used.
- Common verbs include regard as, treat as, see as, know as, describe as, use as, und accept as.
- This structure often highlights the function or identity of the object.
The Nuance of 'Like' as a Conjunction (B2 Level)
Traditionally, as (oder as if / as though) is used as a conjunction before a clause (subject + verb) to mean 'in the way that'.
- However, in informal spoken English, especially American English, you might hear like used as a conjunction.
- For formal writing, academic contexts, and exams like B2 First, it is generally safer and more appropriate to use as oder as if/though when followed by a subject and a verb.
| Use Case | <span data-no-translation>As</span> | <span data-no-translation>Like</span> |
|---|---|---|
| Role or Function | As a teacher, use this as a shield | (Not used for this purpose) |
| Comparison or Similarity | (Not used for this purpose) | Like a bird, looks like rain |
| Conjunction (Subject + Verb) | Do as I say, As he grew older | (Informal: Like he said) |
| Introducing Examples | (Less common, more formal) | Fruits like apples (also such as) |
| Verbs followed by | Regard as, treat as | (Not for this structure) |
Beispiele
- She sings like an angel.
- My new car drives like a dream.
- It feels like sleeping on a cloud.
- I work as a software engineer.
- We used the old barrel as a planter.
- Do as I say, not as I do.
- As the sun set, the sky turned orange.
- I enjoy sports like tennis and basketball.
- Many cities, such as London and Paris, are popular tourist destinations.
- I regard her as a close friend.
- They treated him as a hero.
- It looks like it's going to rain. (Informal, common)
- It looks as if it's going to rain. (More formal)
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Learners often confuse as und like, especially when their native language uses one word for both concepts. Here are some common errors:
- Verwendung von like for a job or role:
I work as a doctor. (Richtig)
NOT:I work like a doctor.(Incorrect – this means you work in a similar way to a doctor, but it's not your profession.) - Verwendung von like oder as unnecessarily with verbs of perception:
The room looked empty. (Richtig)
NOT:The room looked like empty.(Incorrect – empty is an adjective, not a noun for comparison.)
The water was crystal clear. (Richtig)
NOT:The water was as crystal clear.(Incorrect – as is not needed here.) - Confusing role (as) with comparison (like):
As a student, I have a lot of homework. (Correct – I am a student.)
He acts like a student. (Correct – He is not a student, but behaves similarly.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What is the main difference between 'as' and 'like'?
The main difference is their function: as describes a role, job, or purpose, while like indicates similarity or comparison. Think of as meaning 'in the role of' and like meaning 'similar to'.
Can 'like' be used before a subject and a verb?
Informally, yes, especially in spoken American English. However, for formal writing, academic contexts, and exams, it is generally better to use as oder as if/though when followed by a subject and a verb.
How is this grammar point relevant for the B2 First exam?
Correctly using as und like is crucial for the B2 First Use of English paper, particularly in tasks like Part 2 (Open Cloze) where you need to choose the precise word, and Part 3 (Word Formation) for understanding context. It also improves the accuracy and clarity of your writing tasks.
When should I use 'such as' instead of 'like'?
Beides such as und like can introduce examples. Such as is generally more formal and is preferred in academic or formal writing, while like is more common in everyday conversation.
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