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What Is the Difference Between “Like” and “As”?

The difference becomes easier when you connect each word to a meaning.

Like usually means similar to.

Example:

She looks like her mother.

This means she and her mother look similar.

As can mean in the role of.

Example:

She works as a teacher.

This means her job is teacher.

Now compare:

Sentence	Meaning
As your teacher, I recommend daily practice.	I am your teacher.
Like your teacher, I recommend daily practice.	I am similar to your teacher.

The meaning changes completely.

When Do We Use “Like”?

Use like before a noun or pronoun when you mean similar to.

Examples:

She looks like her sister.
He talks like a native speaker.
This film feels like a dream.
It tastes like chicken.
Don’t speak like that.

Common pattern:

like + noun / pronoun

Examples:

like me
like him
like a movie
like a professional
like your teacher

When Do We Use “As”?

Use as when you mean in the role of.

Examples:

He works as a doctor.
She works as a designer.
I am speaking as your teacher.
He used his bag as a pillow.

Common pattern:

as + role / job / function

Examples:

as a nurse
as a manager
as a parent
as a tool
as an example

Use “As” Before a Clause

Use as before a clause, especially in formal English.

A clause usually has a subject and a verb.

Examples:

As I said, practice is important.
As we agreed, the meeting will start at 10.
As she expected, the test was difficult.
Do it as I showed you.
Please complete the form as instructed.

Common pattern:

as + subject + verb

Examples:

as I said
as you know
as we discussed
as she expected
as they explained

Informal English: “Like” Before a Clause

In informal conversation, some native speakers use like before a clause.

Informal:

Do it like I showed you.

More formal:

Do it as I showed you.

For exams, academic writing, and professional emails, as + subject + verb is usually the safer choice.

Like vs As: Simple Comparison Table

Use	Correct Word	Example
Similar to	like	She sings like a professional.
Job or role	as	He works as a nurse.
Function	as	She used the box as a table.
Before a clause	as	Do it as I showed you.
Appearance or taste	like	This tastes like chocolate.

Real-World Examples

Casual English

This tastes like chicken.

Professional English

As your manager, I need to explain the policy.

Academic English

As previous studies suggest, context affects meaning.

Everyday English

He looks like his brother.

Exam-Style English

Students should answer the question as instructed.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Mistake 1

Incorrect:
I work like a doctor.

Correct:
I work as a doctor.

Why?
Use as when you mean job or role.

Mistake 2

Incorrect:
Do it as me.

Correct:
Do it like me.

Why?
Here, you mean “in a similar way to me,” so use like.

Mistake 3

Informal:
Do it like I showed you.

Formal:
Do it as I showed you.

Why?
In formal writing, use as before a subject + verb clause.

Mistake 4

Incorrect:
She looks as her mother.

Correct:
She looks like her mother.

Why?
Use like for appearance and similarity.

Key Learning Points

Like means similar to.
Use like before a noun or pronoun.
As can mean in the role of.
Use as before jobs, roles, and functions.
Use as before a clause in formal English.
In exams and professional writing, choose as before subject + verb.

Pro Tips for Learning “Like” and “As” Faster

Tip 1: After “Like,” Expect a Noun or Pronoun

Examples:

like me
like her
like a teacher
like a dream

Tip 2: After “As,” Look for a Role or Clause

Examples:

as a doctor
as your teacher
as I said
as we discussed

Tip 3: Use “As” in Formal Writing

In academic writing, professional emails, and exams, use as before a clause.

Informal:

Write it like I explained.

Formal:

Write it as I explained.

Practice Exercise

1. Choose the correct word

She works like / as a nurse.

Answer: as

Full sentence:
She works as a nurse.

2. Choose the correct word

He looks like / as his brother.

Answer: like

Full sentence:
He looks like his brother.

3. Rewrite the sentence formally

Informal:
Do it like I showed you.

Formal:
Do it as I showed you.

Final Summary

Use like when you mean similar to.

Use as when you mean in the role of or when a clause follows.

The easiest rule is:

Like = similarity
As = role, function, or clause

Examples:

She sings like a professional.
She works as a professional singer.
Do it as I showed you.

Resources and Further Learning

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