Like vs As: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Like is used to express similarity, while as is used to mean 'in the role of' or 'as'.
Memory Tip: like = similarity, as = role or conjunction
like ends with /k/ sound, as with /z/ sound
like /laɪk/
verbTo enjoy or have a good feeling about something or someone.
Example:
If you like chocolate, you will enjoy this cake.
Common patterns:
I like
You like
as /æz/
prepositionUsed to describe the role or function of someone or something.
Example:
She acted as if she had never seen snow before, even though she grew up in Canada.
Common patterns:
as big as
as fast as
as /æz/
adverbUsed to show a comparison or similarity between two things.
Example:
She acted as if she had never seen snow before, even though she grew up in Canada.
Common patterns:
comparison
similarity
Common Mistakes
She works like a teacher in the school.
She works as a teacher in the school.
The word 'as' is used because she is actually in the role of a teacher.
He sings as a professional singer.
He sings like a professional singer.
The word 'like' is used to express similarity, as he is not necessarily a professional singer.
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. If you ____ chocolate, you will enjoy this cake.
2. She acted ____ if she had never seen snow before, even though she grew up in Canada.
3. She acted ____ if she had never seen snow before, even though she grew up in Canada.
Other Confusing Words
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