As and Like Grammar Rules
As and like are commonly used in our daily conversation and writing. These words, however, are often confusing for some people since they are both used in comparing actions or situations. If you are one of those people, then keep reading to find out more about as and like grammar rules.
As and like grammar, via VectorStock.
As Grammar Rules
As can mean "because" when it's used to talk why a particular situation exists or why someone does something.
-
As I was really tired, I decided not to go out with them.
We ask Morris to come with us, as he knew the road well.
Julie may need some help as she is new here.
As can be used to talk about that one thing happens while something else is happening. In this case, as means "while" or "when".
-
As I grew older I learned a lot of things.
I saw James as I was crossing the street.
Just as I was leaving, she came.
The show started as I got here.
As is usually used to talk about someone’s or something’s particular job or function.
-
Adam works as a courier.
Beckham had natural ability as a football player.
Some experts say that you shouldn’t use TV as a computer monitor.
As a parent, I need to prioritize my children future.
As can be used to talk about the way something is similar to something else. Here as is a conjunction that needs to be followed by a clause or prepositional phrase. Sometimes, the place of subject and verb are inverted to make it looks more formal.
-
Bella loves sweet foods, as I do.
Bella loves sweet foods, as do I. (Sounds more formal)
Besides for talking about similarity, as is usually used in positive degree comparison with the structure “as + adjective/adverb + (noun) + as”. It’s used when comparing two things, people, or situations which have an equal quality or quantity.
-
Bella loves sweet foods as much as I do.
Jim doesn’t earn as much as me.
I have visited Bali and Lombok as many times as she has.
Tom is as tall as his father.
Actually, it wasn’t as hard as I thought.
Like Grammar Rules
Like means the same as "for example" when be used to give examples. It’s usually followed by nouns, pronouns, or serial list of things.
-
We could cook something easy, like instant noodle.
Things like plastic, glass, and paper can all be recycled into something valuable.
To get an ideal weight, I should avoid fatty foods like cakes and biscuits.
I love salty foods, like potato chips and French fries.
Like also can be used to talk about how something is similar to something else, or happening in the same way. Here like stands as preposition and should be followed by a noun or pronoun.
-
Jessica loves spicy food, like me.
Her hair is black and curly like mine.
John is wearing a black shirt like mine.
He is so handsome and smart, like his father.
When talking about how things are similar, like is often used with verbs such as look, sound, feel, taste, and seem.
-
His voice sounds like a real professional singer.
Jane looks nothing like her mother.
It tastes just like ordinary milk to me.
You made me feel like I was a part of your family.
Jenny seemed like a nice girl.
Traditionally, like is needed to be followed by a noun. In modern English, however, it is often used as a conjunction and followed by a clause that consists of a subject and verb. Some people think the pattern is incorrect, but it’s now very common and widely used. However, you should avoid using like as a conjunction in formal writing.
-
You make creamy, delicious potato soup, like my mother did.
As and Like Grammar Rules in Similarity
As and like are often confusing because they can be used to talk about similarity.
-
I love ice cream, like Bobby. Or, I love ice cream, like Bobby does.
I love ice cream, as Bobby does.
Unlike like that can be followed by a noun, pronoun, or clause; as should only be followed by a clause (subject + verb) when talking about similarity.
-
Andre loves the way she sings that song, as I. (Incorrect)
Andre loves the way she sings that song, as I do. (Correct)
She makes a creamy, delicious potato soup, as my mother. (Incorrect)
She makes a creamy, delicious potato soup, as my mother does. (Correct)
However, when using as to indicate a role or job, then it’s can’t be replaced by like.
-
As your teacher, I will help you to improve your current competence. (The speaker is the listener’s teacher.)
Like your teacher, I will help you to improve your current competence. (The speaker isn’t the listener’s teacher, but he is doing the similar way to the teacher.)
Let’s look at another example:
-
Joana works as the manager in a food company. (= she is the manager of the company.)
Joana works like the teacher in a food company. (= she isn’t the manager of the company, but acts in a similar way to the manager.)
Well, that’s all our discussion about as and like grammar rules. Hope it can add your understanding of the difference and similarity of both words. If you are looking for another English lesson which discusses English grammar rules, punctuation rules, vocabulary, and text genre, you can just click on the related category given.