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’.

• We use 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.

What 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 or as a result.

When to Use 'Like' or 'As' for Examples?

Both like and 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, and accept as.
• This structure often highlights the function or identity of the object.

The Nuance of 'Like' as a Conjunction (B2 Level)

Traditionally, as (or 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 or as if/though when followed by a subject and a verb.

Examples

• 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)

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Learners often confuse as and like, especially when their native language uses one word for both concepts. Here are some common errors:

• Using like for a job or role:
  I work as a doctor. (Correct)
  NOT: I work like a doctor. (Incorrect – this means you work in a similar way to a doctor, but it's not your profession.)
• Using like or as unnecessarily with verbs of perception:
  The room looked empty. (Correct)
  NOT: The room looked like empty. (Incorrect – empty is an adjective, not a noun for comparison.)
  The water was crystal clear. (Correct)
  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.)

Frequently asked questions

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 or 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 and 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'?

Both such as and 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.