Using 'as' and 'like'

Using 'as' and 'like'

Do you know how to use like and as? Test what you know with interactive exercises and read the explanation to help you.

Look at these examples to see how as and like are used.

I worked as an actor for two years.
I went home early as I felt ill. 
He looks as if he hasn't slept.
As you know, this is the third time I've had to complain.
He looks like his dad. 
She's like a sister to me.
Try to do something relaxing, like reading a book or having a bath.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

Grammar test 1

'as' and 'like': Grammar test 1

Read the explanation to learn more.

Grammar explanation

as and like are often confused since they can both be used for comparisons. There are, however, important differences.

Making comparisons

as + adjective + as and as much as

We often use the structure as + adjective + as or as much as to say if something has, or doesn't have, the same amount of that quality as something else. 

She loves curry as much as I do.
He's not as tall as his brother.
It's not as expensive as the other hotel.
That dog is as big as that child!

You also have to use as in the expression the same as.

Your phone is the same as mine.
Texting is not the same as speaking in person.

like + noun

In the following comparisons, like is followed by a noun or a pronoun to say that two things are similar.

He's like a father to me.
She's acting like a child.
It's like a burger but with big mushrooms instead of bread.
There are lots of people like us.

It is also common to make comparisons using like with verbs of the senses.

She looks like her mother.
It sounds like a cat.
Nothing tastes like homemade lemonade.
It smells like medicine.
It feels like cotton.

as if/as though + clause

As if and as though can be used to compare a real situation to an imaginary situation. They are followed by a clause (a subject and verb).

You look as if you've seen a ghost.
I felt as if I was floating above the ground.
You talk as though we're never going to see each other again.

Giving examples

We can say like or such as to give examples. 

You could try a team sport like football, basketball or hockey.
You should take something soft, such as a towel, to lie on.

 

Talking about a job or function

We can use as + noun to talk about a job or function. 

I worked as a shop assistant for two years.
He used his coat as a blanket to keep warm.

 

as to connect two phrases

as can be used as a conjunction to connect two phrases. It can have different meanings.

as = 'because'

All the tickets were sold out as we got there too late.
As the road was closed, I had to park on the next street.

as = 'while' or 'during the time that'

She called as I was getting out of the bath.
As they were arriving, we were leaving.

as'in the way that'

As we expected, it started to rain.
As you know, classes restart on 15 January.
As I said, I think this project will be a challenge.

** Note that in informal speech, people sometimes say like for 'in the way that'.

Like I said, I didn't know her.

Do this exercise to test your grammar again.

Grammar test 2

'as' and 'like': Grammar test 2

Language level

Average: 4.7 (60 votes)

Submitted by Salva77 on Tue, 15/12/2020 - 17:22

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Somebody knocked the door as we were eating. Is this correct?

Hello Salva77,

It's correct except for 'knocked the door'. I expect the idea here was 'knocked on the door', though 'knocked down the door' is also possible.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Eltayeb on Wed, 09/12/2020 - 12:52

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I joined the British Council site as I first saw it . Is this correct?

Hello Eltayeb,

That's not quite correect. I think what you mean is this:

I joined the British Council site as soon as I first saw it .

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Harry on Fri, 27/11/2020 - 13:01

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Hi! I wanna ask something.In the sentence"She is appealing as good as my sister."Is that correct???Can i also use "as much as instead of as good as" Thank you for your time

Hello Harry,

It is possible to use 'as much as', but I'm afraid your example doesn't make sense. You seem to be using 'appeal' as a verb here, which I don't understand.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

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Submitted by helenaclever on Wed, 25/11/2020 - 15:42

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Thank you so much! Now I know the difference between as and like. I have to know English grammar well as a journalist. :)

Submitted by Anara SN on Tue, 24/11/2020 - 07:26

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Thank you for your course, it really helps me to improve my grammar skills. Now I know how and when to use 'as and like' difference of them. My English grammar not as good as I thought. I'll work hard on my general English as I can.