As is a union. It is used to introduce an auxiliary clause and also before expressions beginning with prepositions.
For example:
He didn't as he was told.
He did just as he was told.
He didn't fight as a tiger does.
He fought how a tiger fights.
Nobody knows her as I do.
Nobody knows her just like me.
In 1939, as in 1914, everyone seemed to want war.
In 1939, as in 1914, everyone seemed to want war.
Union as often confused with preposition like. And despite the fact that like is not a conjunction, in colloquial speech it is often used to mean a conjunction instead of as. This usage is especially common in American English. In formal situations, this usage is considered incorrect.
For example:
Nobody knows her like I do.
Nobody knows her because I.
As and though
As can be used to mean though. Note the inversion in the sentence when used this way. as.
For example:
Though he was sick, he worked diligently.
Sick as he was, he worked diligently.
Though he was sick, he worked diligently.
Though he was young, he fought valiantly.
Young as he was, he fought valiantly.
Though he was young, he fought valiantly.
As if and as though
Expressions as if And as though completely interchangeable.
For example:
She spoke as if she knew everything. = She spoke as though she knew everything.
She said as if knew everything.
It looks as if (= as though) it might rain.
It seems, Maybe it's going to rain.
Use like in such constructions it is grammatically incorrect. However, in spoken English this usage is very common.
For example:
It looks like it might rain.
It seems, Maybe it's going to rain. ( Not grammatically correct, but used in spoken English.)
So as and such as
So as displays the target:
We started early so as to finish it all in time.
We started early to manage to do everything on time.
Such as displays the result:
His actions were such as to offend everyone.
His actions were are such that offended everyone.
Than
Than is a subordinating conjunction. It is usually followed by an object in the form of a subject pronoun or a nominative pronoun with a verb.
For example:
She is taller than him.
She's taller him.
She is taller than he is.
She's taller than he.
She earns more than him.
She earns more than him.
She earns more than he does.
She earns more than he.
Pronoun in the nominative case without a verb after than used relatively rarely:
She is taller than he.
She's taller than he. (Less common than "She is taller than him".)
Unless
Unless has the same meaning as if not("if not"), and therefore there is no need to add a negation after it:
Wrong: Unless you don't
Right: Unless you obey my instructions, you will be dismissed.
Right: If you don't obey my instructions, you will be dismissed.
If You Not If you follow my instructions, you will be fired.
Lest
Lest has the same meaning as that...not(“as if not”, “so as not”), and therefore it is incorrect to use negation after it. In modern English lest used quite rarely. It should also be noted that the only modal verb that can be used after lest is a verb should.
For example:
Wrong: Do it now lest you do not change your mind.
Right: Do it now lest you change your mind.
Right: Do it now lest you should change your mind.
Do it now, not yet changed my mind.
Since
As a union since can have two meanings.
It can mean “since (some) time”, “since (some) time”:
Where have you been since I last saw you?
Where have you been since I last saw you?
It is just a week since we arrived here.
It's only been a week since we arrived here.
Also union since may have the meaning of a conjunction as- "because":
Since we have no money we can't buy anything. (= As we have no money we can't buy anything.)
Because we have no money, we can't buy anything.
Paired (correlative) conjunctions
Paired unions either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, etc., must be placed immediately before the words to which they relate.
For example:
Neither he would eat nor allow us to eat. ( Wrong)
He wouldn't neither eat nor allow us to eat. ( Right)
He neither ate nor gave we have something to eat.
Neither I shall follow your instructions nor resign. ( Wrong)
I shall neither follow your instructions nor resign. (Right)
I won't nor fulfill your instructions, nor quit.
He not only visited France but also Germany. ( Wrong)
He visited not only France but also Germany. (Right)
He visited not only in France, but also in Germany.
Evelina : Tell me, are the comparative conjunctions as and like absolutely synonymous? Is there a difference in use?
Of course, there is a difference in both meaning and use. These words belong to a category of words in the English language that are often confused and misused. There are a number of nuances and features of using each of them. Difference between comparative words like And as really hard to catch. Moreover, their translations are very similar:
Like- similar, like.
As- in quality, as, equally, equally.
Let's look at cases of using words like And as in comparisons.
Expressions with prepositions like indicate similarities, and serve more for description than comparison. Like usually comes after a verb and before a noun or pronoun:
VERB + LIKE + NOUN/PRONOUN:
My holiday was like a dream. - My vacation was like a dream (like a dream).
He can play the piano like a professional musician. - He plays the piano like a professional musician (looks like a professional musician).
As does not combine with nouns or pronouns without a verb, so it is not used in constructions of this type.
It is permissible to use adverbs of measure before like: very, quite, rather, a lot, a bit and others, they are not used before as:
She sings very like Britney Spears. - She sings very similar to Britney Spears.
Your dress is a bit like mine. - Your dress looks a little like mine.
Like often combined with verbs of perception and expressions of this type are used more for description than comparison:
look like- look like; be like...
sound like- sound like; sound like
feel like- to be felt like; remind by touch
taste like- to taste like; remind to taste
smell like- smell like; remind by smell.
Mary looks like her mother. - Mary looks like her mother.
This music sounds like jazz. - This music sounds like jazz (similar to jazz).
The sweater feels like wool, but it "s polyester. - The sweater feels like wool, but it's polyester. (It resembles wool)
This new sort of apples tastes like pears. - This new variety of apple tastes like a pear. (looks like a pear)
The clean towel smells like perfumes. - A clean towel smells like perfume.
Besides, like used to give examples:
In big cities, like Moscow, prices are higher than in small towns. - In big cities such as Moscow, prices are higher than in small cities.
I like comedies with Jim Carrey, like The Mask or Bruce Almighty. - I love comedies with Jim Carrey, such as “The Mask” and “Bruce Almighty”.
As- this is a union. Therefore, it is used before a part of a sentence (clause) or in expressions that begin with a preposition and mean “the same as”:
AS+ NOUN/PRONOUN+ VERB
Nobody declares poems as my brother does. - Nobody reads poetry like my brother.
They started to dance as we did. - They started dancing just like us.
In similar examples in modern spoken English like often used as a conjunction instead of as. Such expressions are informal:
Nobody likes pizza like I do. - Nobody loves pizza as much as I do.
If as is used before a phrase with a preposition, the phrase is separated by commas:
,AS + PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE, :
On Monday, as on Sunday, it was very cold. - On Monday, just like on Sunday, it was very cold.
In the living room, as in the kitchen, there were a lot of flowers. - There were a lot of flowers in the living room, as well as in the kitchen.
As used (same as) or notas...as(not like):
I am as tall as my sister. - I'm as tall as my sister.
Your car is not as fast as mine. - Your car is as fast as mine.
As always used after such to give an example or clarify:
I admire classical composers, such as Mozart and Vivaldi. - I admire classical composers such as Mozart and Vivaldi.
He can speak a lot of languages, such as Polish, German and Spanish. - He can speak many languages, such as Polish, German, Spanish.
Combination such as can be replaced by like(especially in American English), but like sentences sound informal, although the translation does not change.
Another Use as- designation of the function or role of a person or object: profession, purpose of objects (as):
He works as a doctor. - He works as a doctor (as a doctor)
She has worked as a secretary for three years. - She has been working as a secretary for two years (as a secretary)
He used a mug as an ashtray. - He used the mug as an ashtray (as an ashtray)
You mustn"t use your gas stove as a heater. - You cannot use a gas stove as a heater (as a heater)
He came to our company as a trainee. - He came to our company as an intern.
In the above examples it is unacceptable to use like.
Compare usage as and like:
As your teacher, I insist on doing the hometask. - As your teacher, I insist on doing your homework.
Like your teacher, I insist on doing the hometask. - Like your teacher, I insist on doing your homework.
In the first sentence as means: “as, in a role”, in the second example like conveys the meaning: “similar, similar.”
It is worth mentioning separately negative sentences With like And as:
If the first part of the sentence is negative, then comparison with as or like in the second part indicates opposition (as opposed to):
I don"t drink alcohol, like Tom. - I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, unlike Tom. (Tom does)
Mary didn't lose her temper, as Ann did. - Mary did not get angry, unlike Anna. (Anna got angry)
If a comparative construction with as or like is at the beginning of a sentence, then the comparison applies to the entire sentence (as well as):
Like my friends, I go out every weekend. - Just like my friends, I go for walks on weekends.
Like Ann, I didn't lose my temper. - Like Anna, I didn't get angry.
As used in combination with the words if and though ( as if / as though), to indicate the supposed similarity of objects and situations. As if and as though are used with a clause:
The music sounded as if / though somebody was playing untuned instruments. - The music sounded like they were playing out-of-tune instruments.
The pie looked as if/ though it was burnt. - The pie looked like it was burnt.
He was giving orders as if he was the boss. - He gave orders as if he were the boss.
She looks as if/though she is very upset. - She looks like she's very upset.
If we are talking about situations that obviously do not correspond to reality, then we can use past tense after as if/though. The use of the past tense emphasizes the unreality of the situation:
He argues as if/though he is very knowledgeable about the issue. - He talks as if he is well informed about the issue.(Perhaps he actually has information)
He argues as if/though he was very knowledgeable about the issue. - He talks as if he is well informed about the issue.(But he clearly doesn't know anything about the question)
In such situations you can use like instead of as if/as though, especially in informal communication. Expressions with like are more typical in American English, but can be found in British:
It seems like the ladder is going to fall. - It looks like the stairs are going to fall.
He was looking at the book like he was reading. - He looked at the book as if he was reading.
We hope this article helped you understand the difference between the use and meanings of like and as in comparisons.
If you need professional help in learning English, we will do our best to help you achieve the desired result!
As is a union. It is used to introduce an auxiliary clause and also before expressions beginning with prepositions.
For example:
He didn't as he was told.
He did just as he was told.
He didn't fight as a tiger does.
He fought how a tiger fights.
Nobody knows her as I do.
Nobody knows her just like me.
In 1939, as in 1914, everyone seemed to want war.
In 1939, as in 1914, everyone seemed to want war.
Union as often confused with preposition like. And despite the fact that like is not a conjunction, in colloquial speech it is often used to mean a conjunction instead of as. This usage is especially common in American English. In formal situations, this usage is considered incorrect.
For example:
Nobody knows her like I do.
Nobody knows her because I.
As and though
As can be used to mean though. Note the inversion in the sentence when used this way. as.
For example:
Though he was sick, he worked diligently.
Sick as he was, he worked diligently.
Though he was sick, he worked diligently.
Though he was young, he fought valiantly.
Young as he was, he fought valiantly.
Though he was young, he fought valiantly.
As if and as though
Expressions as if And as though completely interchangeable.
For example:
She spoke as if she knew everything. = She spoke as though she knew everything.
She said as if knew everything.
It looks as if (= as though) it might rain.
It seems, Maybe it's going to rain.
Use like in such constructions it is grammatically incorrect. However, in spoken English this usage is very common.
For example:
It looks like it might rain.
It seems, Maybe it's going to rain. ( Not grammatically correct, but used in spoken English.)
So as and such as
So as displays the target:
We started early so as to finish it all in time.
We started early to manage to do everything on time.
Such as displays the result:
His actions were such as to offend everyone.
His actions were are such that offended everyone.
Than
Than is a subordinating conjunction. It is usually followed by an object in the form of a subject pronoun or a nominative pronoun with a verb.
For example:
She is taller than him.
She's taller him.
She is taller than he is.
She's taller than he.
She earns more than him.
She earns more than him.
She earns more than he does.
She earns more than he.
Pronoun in the nominative case without a verb after than used relatively rarely:
She is taller than he.
She's taller than he. (Less common than "She is taller than him".)
Unless
Unless has the same meaning as if not("if not"), and therefore there is no need to add a negation after it:
Wrong: Unless you don't
Right: Unless you obey my instructions, you will be dismissed.
Right: If you don't obey my instructions, you will be dismissed.
If You Not If you follow my instructions, you will be fired.
Lest
Lest has the same meaning as that...not(“as if not”, “so as not”), and therefore it is incorrect to use negation after it. In modern English lest used quite rarely. It should also be noted that the only modal verb that can be used after lest is a verb should.
For example:
Wrong: Do it now lest you do not change your mind.
Right: Do it now lest you change your mind.
Right: Do it now lest you should change your mind.
Do it now, not yet changed my mind.
Since
As a union since can have two meanings.
It can mean “since (some) time”, “since (some) time”:
Where have you been since I last saw you?
Where have you been since I last saw you?
It is just a week since we arrived here.
It's only been a week since we arrived here.
Also union since may have the meaning of a conjunction as- "because":
Since we have no money we can't buy anything. (= As we have no money we can't buy anything.)
Because we have no money, we can't buy anything.
Paired (correlative) conjunctions
Paired unions either…or, neither…nor, both…and, not only…but also, etc., must be placed immediately before the words to which they relate.
For example:
Neither he would eat nor allow us to eat. ( Wrong)
He wouldn't neither eat nor allow us to eat. ( Right)
He neither ate nor gave we have something to eat.
Neither I shall follow your instructions nor resign. ( Wrong)
I shall neither follow your instructions nor resign. (Right)
I won't nor fulfill your instructions, nor quit.
He not only visited France but also Germany. ( Wrong)
He visited not only France but also Germany. (Right)
He visited not only in France, but also in Germany.
To compare objects and persons in English, in addition to degrees of comparison, words are also used like and as. Both words are translated into Russian by the word "How":
Polly and Susan are like sisters. – Polly and Susan are like sisters.
Polly and Susan did it as they were taught. - Polly and Susan did it as they were taught.
Despite the fact that the translation into Russian of the words like and as is in many cases similar, in English each of them has its own use. They are by no means interchangeable. Using one instead of the other will lead to errors.
An interesting fact is that rulelike andas is the most frequently broken rule in English grammar. It has been estimated that only 2% of Britons use like and as correctly.
What is the difference between like and as?
In general, the difference between like and as can be explained as follows.
As we will use it when we compare an object or action with what it essentially is (we are talking about the real).
Tom joined the company as a manager. – Tom got a job at the company as a manager. (he is the manager).
Today is Monday, so today, as on every Monday, our first lesson is English. – Today is Monday, so today, like every Monday, the first lesson is English. (this really happens every Monday)
Like we use when we compare an object or action with something that it is not.
My sister is not at all like me. – My sister is completely different from me. (my sister is not me)
My friend Polly looks like Madonna. – My friend Polly looks like Madonna. (My friend Polly is not Madonna)
COMPARE:
- Kate speaks like a teacher... (Kate speaks like a teacher (without being a teacher)).
- She speaks as a teacher... (Kate speaks as a teacher (being a teacher, as a teacher)).
Based on the above rule, you will be able to use like / as correctly, but let’s talk about the other rules for using like and as.
The word like used in phrases such as
- be like (to be like),
- feel like (feel like),
- look like (look like),
- smell like (smell like),
- sound like (sound like)
For example:
My dad looks like Santa Claus. - My father looks like Santa Claus.
This perfume smells like a rose. - This perfume smells like a rose.
But be careful not to miss as if / as though:
- It looks as if it's going to rain.
- It looks as though it were going to rain.
- It feels as though it were going to rain.
The word as used in the following cases:
When actions are compared, not objects or persons:
She taught him, as her mother once taught her. “She taught him the way her mother once taught her.”
To convey the meaning “as, as”:
Was not employed as a doctor. - He worked as a doctor (as a doctor).
In phrases such as
- regard as (consider how),
- be known as (to be known as),
- describe as (describe how), etc.:
They are regarded as an excellent team. - They are looked at as a good team.
She is known as a good nurse. - She is known as a good nurse.
In expressions such as
- as usual (as always),
- such as (such as),
- as follows (next),
- the same as (same as)
She came home late as usual. - She came home, as always, late.
Different species such as plants and animals need oxygen. - Various biological species such as plants and animals require oxygen.
Like/as exercises.
Let's consolidate the difference in the use of like and as and do some exercises. You can test yourself using the answers at the end of the article.
Exercise 1. Open the brackets and insert like or as.
- Mary used to have a full-time job (as) ____________ a nurse at hospital.
- I have never met people (like) ____________ you! You are really very intelligent!
- Nancy knows all my secrets. We are (as) ____________ sisters.
- Do you know that at the cocktail party Jim introduced Liz (how) ____________his cousin?
- She can’t cook (how) ____________ her mother does.
- When I entered the room and found no-one there I left everything (as) ____________ it was.
- Everyone is ill at home. Our house is (like) ____________ a hospital.
- He was so scared that he was trembling (like) ____________ a leaf.
- He was dressed (as) ____________ a policeman.
- Mike hit Jack just (like) ____________ Jack hit him.
Exercise 2. Use combinations from the box. Add some words if necessary. Use like and as together with phrases to fill in the gaps in sentences. Add words if necessary.
a duck, pretty, a dog barking, a hospital, a city hall, my best friend, Hamlet, a bus driver, a child, a scientist
- ______________________, I can say that the topic of her early essay is rather up-to-date.
- His father works ____________________.
- Pat swims______________________.
- He is 26 years old but sometimes he behaves ______________________.
- I wonder what that tall green building will be. It looks ______________________.
- I regard her ______________________.
- During the war that church was used _____________________.
- What is that sound? It seems _____________________.
- In the play he appeared ______________________.
- Mary is ______________________ as her elder sister.
Answers to the exercises:
Ex. 1.
1 as, 2 like, 3 like, 4 as, 5 as, 6 as, 7 like, 8 like, 9 like, 10 as
Ex. 2.
1 as a scientist, 2 as a bus driver, 3 like a duck, 4 like a child, 5 like a hospital / like a city hall, 6 as my best friend, 7 as a hospital / as a city hall, 8 like a dog barking, 9 as Hamlet, 10 as pretty
I hope you understand the difference between like and as.
In Russian, we compare something using the word “like”:
“She bought a dress just like mine. He swims like a fish. She looks like her father. Your perfume smells like a rose."
To say that someone is like someone else or does something in a similar way, in English you need to use words like and as.
However, these words, although they have very similar translations, mean different things and are used in different situations.
In this article I will tell you how to use them correctly and explain the difference between them so that you do not make mistakes when using them.
From the article you will learn:
Using like in English
- Pronunciation:[ˈlaɪk] / [laik]
- Translation: Like, like, like
- Meaning: Be the same or do the same as someone else
We use like when we compare different people or things. That is, despite their similarity, they will be different people/objects.
For example:
You look like the cover star (meaning you look alike, but you're not her. We're talking about two different people).
We use the word like when we say that:
1. One person/object is similar to another person/object
Your daughter looks like you.
2. One person/thing does something the same way as another person/thing.
She tries to dance like the dancer on TV.
Words often used with like
Since we often compare tastes, appearance, sound, the word like is often preceded by the following words:
- look - looks
- sound - sounds
- feel - is felt
- taste - has a taste
- seem - it seems
For example:
You sound like my wife.
You sound like my wife.
The park looked like a jungle.
The park looked like a jungle.
The fruit tastes like strawberry
This fruit tastes like strawberries.
This feels like silk
It feels like silk.
It Seemed like a dream.
It seemed like a dream.
What to put after like?
After like they usually put:
- Person or object (answers the question “who?/what?”)
For example:
I think this tastes like coconut
I think it tastes like coconut.
She dresses like that model.
She dresses like that model.
- Words that replace a person or object (for example, instead of friend - he). In English these are words
me - I
you - you
us - we
them - they
him - he
her - she
it - it
For example:
You are like him.
You are just like him.
She plays like us.
She plays like us.
Use of as in English
- Pronunciation:[æz] / [ez]
- Translation: As well as
- Meaning: Doing something as someone
We use the word as when we talk about the same person or thing. We say that one object or person fulfills some role or is needed for some purpose. several different people or things .
For example:
She looks like a teacher in this suit.
She looks like a teacher in this costume (she is not a teacher, she and the teacher are two different people).
We use the word as when we speak about one person or thing fulfilling some role or being used for something.
For example:
She works as a teacher.
She works as a teacher (she is a teacher, that is, she is one person).
Let's look again at the use of these words in the table:
| Like | As |
| One person/thing is similar to another person/thing. For example: He looks like that actor. |
A person/object performs the functions of someone For example: He works as an actor. |
| One person/thing does something the same way as another. For example: You drive like a racer. |
A person/object is used as something For example: That could be used as a cup. |
So, we've covered the words like and as, now let's practice using them.
Reinforcement task
Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.
1. My friend works as an accountant.
2. My cat is like a little tiger.
3. She dresses like a boy.
4. You don't look like a teacher.
5. She worked as a salesperson for 2 years.
6. You can use the bottle as a vase.
LIKE
Verb + LIKE + noun/pronoun.
- He speaks like a native speaker.
- She looks like a supermodel.
AS
The sentence structure is as follows: AS + subject (noun) + predicate (verb)
- Nobody sings as she does.
- They went to the party as they were.
And now, in order.
Like
The word like is used in situations when we compare something with something and say that something looks like something or is the same.
She is like her mother. – She looks like her mother (and the comparison can be not only external)
Her perfume smells like oranges. – Her perfume smells like citrus. (i.e. they smell “like” citrus fruits)
Imagine a grown woman acting like a child. - Imagine a grown woman who behaves like a child!
2. like is used when listing and is translated “such as”.
Some sports, like parachuting, can be very dangerous. - Some sports, such as parachuting, can be very dangerous.
3. in the phrase “as if” (someone is doing something)
- “What’s that noise?” - What is this noise?
- “It sounds like a baby crying.” -It sounds like that as if a child were crying.
NB, finally, a few examples for translation:
| My friend is like me. |
| He seems smart like a fox. |
| He acts more like a brother than a friend. |
| He looks like a handsomer version of me. |
| He is like a younger brother who has known me all my life. |
| We are like two comedians when we get together. |
| Talking with him is like talking to myself. |
AS
We use as speaking about profession or functions of someone (something) and will be translated as “as”
I worked as a shop assistant for 2 years when I was a student. -
I worked as a salesman(as a seller)
two years when I was a student.
He used his shoe as a hammer to hang the picture up. - He used his shoe as a hammer to hang a picture.
2. translated “same as” in the construction as…as (with an adjective in the middle)
He's just as stupid as his dog! - He's as stupid as his dog!
3.use as in stable expressions:
- as you know - as you know
- as I said - as I told you
- as he suggested - as he suggested
- because I thought - as I thought
- as usual - as usual
- As always - as always
- as we have agreed - as we agreed
- As you know, classes restart on January 15th.
- I tried using salt as you suggested but the stain still didn’t come out.
- As we agreed the company will be split 50/50 between us.
Evelina : Tell me, are the comparative conjunctions as and like absolutely synonymous? Is there a difference in use?
Of course, there is a difference in both meaning and use. These words belong to a category of words in the English language that are often confused and misused. There are a number of nuances and features of using each of them. Difference between comparative words like And as really hard to catch. Moreover, their translations are very similar:
Like- similar, like.
As- in quality, as, equally, equally.
Let's look at cases of using words like And as in comparisons.
Expressions with prepositions like indicate similarities, and serve more for description than comparison. Like usually comes after a verb and before a noun or pronoun:
VERB + LIKE + NOUN/PRONOUN:
My holiday was like a dream. - My vacation was like a dream (like a dream).
He can play the piano like a professional musician. - He plays the piano like a professional musician (looks like a professional musician).
As does not combine with nouns or pronouns without a verb, so it is not used in constructions of this type.
It is permissible to use adverbs of measure before like: very, quite, rather, a lot, a bit and others, they are not used before as:
She sings very like Britney Spears. - She sings very similar to Britney Spears.
Your dress is a bit like mine. - Your dress looks a little like mine.
Like often combined with verbs of perception and expressions of this type are used more for description than comparison:
look like- look like; be like...
sound like- sound like; sound like
feel like- to be felt like; remind by touch
taste like- to taste like; remind to taste
smell like- smell like; remind by smell.
Mary looks like her mother. - Mary looks like her mother.
This music sounds like jazz. - This music sounds like jazz (similar to jazz).
The sweater feels like wool, but it "s polyester. - The sweater feels like wool, but it's polyester. (It resembles wool)
This new sort of apples tastes like pears. - This new variety of apple tastes like a pear. (looks like a pear)
The clean towel smells like perfumes. - A clean towel smells like perfume.
Besides, like used to give examples:
In big cities, like Moscow, prices are higher than in small towns. - In big cities, such as Moscow, prices are higher than in small cities.
I like comedies with Jim Carrey, like The Mask or Bruce Almighty. - I love comedies with Jim Carrey, such as “The Mask” and “Bruce Almighty”.
As- this is a union. Therefore, it is used before a part of a sentence (clause) or in expressions that begin with a preposition and mean “the same as”:
AS+ NOUN/PRONOUN+ VERB
Nobody declares poems as my brother does. - Nobody reads poetry like my brother.
They started to dance as we did. - They started dancing just like us.
In similar examples in modern spoken English like often used as a conjunction instead of as. Such expressions are informal:
Nobody likes pizza like I do. - Nobody loves pizza as much as I do.
If as is used before a phrase with a preposition, the phrase is separated by commas:
,AS + PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE, :
On Monday, as on Sunday, it was very cold. - On Monday, just like on Sunday, it was very cold.
In the living room, as in the kitchen, there were a lot of flowers. - There were a lot of flowers in the living room, as well as in the kitchen.
As used (same as) or notas...as(not like):
I am as tall as my sister. - I'm as tall as my sister.
Your car is not as fast as mine. - Your car is as fast as mine.
As always used after such to give an example or clarify:
I admire classical composers, such as Mozart and Vivaldi. - I admire classical composers such as Mozart and Vivaldi.
He can speak a lot of languages, such as Polish, German and Spanish. - He can speak many languages, such as Polish, German, Spanish.
Combination such as can be replaced by like(especially in American English), but like sentences sound informal, although the translation does not change.
Another Use as- designation of the function or role of a person or object: profession, purpose of objects (as):
He works as a doctor. - He works as a doctor (as a doctor)
She has worked as a secretary for three years. - She has been working as a secretary for two years (as a secretary)
He used a mug as an ashtray. - He used the mug as an ashtray (as an ashtray)
You mustn"t use your gas stove as a heater. - You cannot use a gas stove as a heater (as a heater)
He came to our company as a trainee. - He came to our company as an intern.
In the above examples it is unacceptable to use like.
Compare usage as and like:
As your teacher, I insist on doing the hometask. - As your teacher, I insist on doing your homework.
Like your teacher, I insist on doing the hometask. - Like your teacher, I insist on doing your homework.
In the first sentence as means: “as, in a role”, in the second example like conveys the meaning: “similar, similar.”
It is worth mentioning separately negative sentences With like And as:
If the first part of the sentence is negative, then comparison with as or like in the second part indicates opposition (as opposed to):
I don"t drink alcohol, like Tom. - I don’t drink alcoholic beverages, unlike Tom. (Tom does)
Mary didn't lose her temper, as Ann did. - Mary did not get angry, unlike Anna. (Anna got angry)
If a comparative construction with as or like is at the beginning of a sentence, then the comparison applies to the entire sentence (as well as):
Like my friends, I go out every weekend. - Just like my friends, I go for walks on weekends.
Like Ann, I didn't lose my temper. - Like Anna, I didn't get angry.
As used in combination with the words if and though ( as if / as though), to indicate the supposed similarity of objects and situations. As if and as though are used with a clause:
The music sounded as if / though somebody was playing untuned instruments. - The music sounded like they were playing out-of-tune instruments.
The pie looked as if/ though it was burnt. - The pie looked like it was burnt.
He was giving orders as if he was the boss. - He gave orders as if he were the boss.
She looks as if/though she is very upset. - She looks like she's very upset.
If we are talking about situations that obviously do not correspond to reality, then we can use past tense after as if/though. The use of the past tense emphasizes the unreality of the situation:
He argues as if/though he is very knowledgeable about the issue. - He talks as if he is well informed about the issue.(Perhaps he actually has information)
He argues as if/though he was very knowledgeable about the issue. - He talks as if he is well informed about the issue.(But he clearly doesn't know anything about the question)
In such situations you can use like instead of as if/as though, especially in informal communication. Expressions with like are more typical in American English, but can be found in British:
It seems like the ladder is going to fall. - It looks like the stairs are going to fall.
He was looking at the book like he was reading. - He looked at the book as if he was reading.
We hope this article helped you understand the difference between the use and meanings of like and as in comparisons.
If you need professional help in learning English, we will do our best to help you achieve the desired result!
Ahoy, guys! They say love is when you stop comparing. You know we love you! But today we’ll talk about comparison and qualities, i.e. Let's look at the difference between “as” (not “ass”) and “like”. Let's look at the use and meaning of these words, and also give examples. Ain't nothing new! Just some new... Let's go!
Both words are used for comparisons. We can compare one object to another or one person to another. But there is a difference between them.
I've been working as a dog- will sound strange, since it assumes that you worked as a dog, i.e. occupied a position called "dog" and performed its work. Sounds suspicious.
In its turn:
I've been working like a dog- have worked like a dog(like a dog) - will mean that you worked hard. And that's the way you say it!
Let's take a closer look!
Like
Pronunciation And translation:- the same, similar to someone (something); similar; similar to something.
Meaning: usually a preposition followed by noun or pronoun.
Use: is used for comparisons; to state that someone (something) is similar to someone (something).
He speaks like a native speaker. - He says, How carrier language(like the carrier).
She looks like a celebrity. - She looks like a celebrity.
The claws of cats are very sharp. They are like razor. - Cat's claws are very sharp. They How razor(looks like a razor).
As we indicated above, “like” is a preposition. That is why it is followed by pronoun, noun or word with ending -ing(gerund).
Reading this book is like speaking to an old friend. - Reading this book is like talking with an old friend.
Hate is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. - Hatred is how to drink I And wait that someone else will die.
- “Like” can be supplemented with adverbs “ just», « more», « very much"etc.:
Just like you, Jane wanted to be a doctor. - Just like you, Jane wanted to be a doctor.
More like boy toy, actually. - Rather more similar to a young lover.
As you see, he is very much like you. - As you can see, he very similar at you.
- Can act as adjective:
I responded in like(similar) manner. - I answered in similar(similar) manner.
- In informal English, "like" is often used as union. This is very common in spoken American English. However, this is not considered grammatically correct.
Nobody loves her like I do.- Nobody likes her So like me.
She needs the money like I do, so she works overtime. - She needs money, just like me, so she overworks.
I hope you'll not get ill again, like you did when we went to Paris. “I hope you don’t get sick like last time we went to Paris.”
- Also V informal English sometimes used in the role adverbs :
There was this funny smell — sort of dusty like. - There was a strange smell there, so dusty.
So she comes into the room and she"s like, "Where is everyone?" - So she comes into the room and is like: “Where is everyone?”
Expressions and words with« like»:
like a baby's bottom- soft to the touch (especially on the face after shaving);
like a bat out of hell- very quickly, with a whistle, as fast as you can, like a bullet; with all your might, in a drapak;
like a bitch- strongly, very, much, a lot;
like family- one blood;
like flies to honey- like flies to honey (or “as flies to shit”);
like a bear with a sore head- very angry, furious, angry as hell;
like a beast at bay- like a hunted animal;
like a beggar- like a beggar;
like a bolt from the blue- like a blow to the head, like a bolt from the blue;
likeability- the ability to please people;
like everyone get out- what is the light on;
like an elephant in a china shop- like a bull in a china shop;
like father like son- The apple never falls far from the tree;
like parents, like children- as from whom, that and to whom (as are the parents, so are the children);
like-for-like- equivalent, typical, absolutely similar; similar; identical;
like shit off a shovel- fast;
like shit to a blanket- like a bath leaf;
like shooting ducks on a pond- easy, without difficulty, simple;
like shooting fish in a barrel- like a couple of fingers on the asphalt;
like shaving a shark- like peas against a wall;
like sin- very much;
like smoke- quickly and easily, instantly, without a hitch; like clockwork;
like fun- keep your pocket wider, it’s unlikely, no matter how wrong it is; fuck you!; you're lying! (expression of distrust, refusal, denial);
like a bastard- like crazy;
like shock- like-shock (the feeling that arises in a person whose post on social networks has received many more “likes” than he expected).
As
Pronunciation and translation: [æz] - in quality; once; How; in a role; because of; due to the fact that; how; as.
Meaning: serving in a specific function or performing a specific job. Maybe not only pretext, but also other parts of speech. For example, union. We use it if it is followed by a subject with a verb, which is usually a predicate.
Use: usually translated as "as". Used when talking about a profession. The emphasis is on roles or functions someone (something). That is, objects are not similar to each other, one object is the other.
After “as” comes a subject and a predicate.
“As” (= in the same way that). Typically used as union.
Nobody paints as he does. - Nobody draws like that How is he.
It started raining as we said it would. - It started to rain, as we predicted.
I will do that work as you showed me. - I'll do the job How you showed me.
The water can be used as a source of energy. - Water can be used as a source energy.
She used her family photos as the only decoration for the walls. - She used her family photos as the only decoration for walls.
In cases where "as" acts as a conjunction, it is followed by prepositional phrase(prepositional phrase) or subordinate clause(subordinate clause). Since the conjunction “as” indicates similarity.
Nobody loves her as I do. - Nobody likes her like me.
In August, as in July , the weather is very hot. - In August, How And in July, the weather is very hot (“in July” is a prepositional phrase).
When we talk about someone working as someone, “as” is necessary.
She works as a secretary. - She works secretary.
- The combination " such as" - "as for example", "such as" is used without a verb.
Some cars such as BMW can be very expensive. - Some cars, such as BMWs can be very expensive.
- In writing and in colloquial speech the expression “ as usual" - "as usual".
He won't as usual. - As usual, He won.
- Translated: " such as" in the design " as … as..." (with an adjective in the middle).
He's as stupid as his brother! - He as stupid as and his brother!
Set expressions With « as»:
as you know - as you know
as I said - as I told you
as he suggested - as he suggested
because I thought - as I thought
as usual - as usual
As always - as always
as we have agreed - as we agreed
- note: In some cases, “as” can be used in the construction “ as + noun».
When we use " as + noun", we show that something (someone) is or was something (someone) in fact. " Like" in turn serves only for comparison. Compare:
In 2003 John worked as a teacher. - In 2003 John worked as a teacher (he actually worked as a teacher).
There are many dead birds in the garden. It's like a cemetery. - There are a lot of dead birds in the garden. It looks like a cemetery (but this isn't actually a cemetery).
As your boss, I must warn you to be careful (I am your boss).
Like your boss, I must warn you to be careful (I am not your boss, but just like him, I must warn you).
- As if / as though- as if.
After "as if / as though" is used second type of subjunctive mood(Subjunctive II). We recommend reading more about conditional sentences.
She walks as if she was a model. - She walks like she's a model.
They have captured and imprisoned him, as though he were a criminal. - They captured and imprisoned him as if he were a criminal.
- When we want to give an example, we can use " such as" or " like».
He prefers classical composers, like Chopin. - He prefers classical performers such as, Chopin.
She prefers French actors, such as Delon. - She prefers French actors such as, for example, Delon.
Expressions and phrases with “as”:
as a blind- as a distraction, as an excuse;
as a body- in general, in the aggregate;
as varied by- with changes made;
as verified- based on the results of the inspection;
as viewed from- from the side;
as laid down by- as stated;
as last resource- only as a last resort;
as legislation allows- within the limits permitted by law;
as a bet- for a dispute;
as fair as a lily- beautiful like a lily;
as far again- twice as far;
as far as- since, as far as, as regards;
as gains and losses- as part of profits and losses;
as happy as a pig in mud / as a clam at high tide / as a dog with 2 tails- pants full of joy;
as pale as death / as a ghost / as a corpse / as ashes- pale as death;
as a bombshell- like a bolt from the blue (colloquial English);
as lean as a rake- thin as a sliver (spoken English);
as bad as all that / as it gets- it couldn’t be worse (spoken English);
as a basket of chips- extremely, extremely (colloquial English).
Conclusion
Let's summarize?
We use:
- « Like" With " noun" or " pronoun" “Like” - “how”. We talk about the similarity of two objects. People like Jack. I ran like hell.
- « As» + subject(noun) + predicate(verb). When the same object appears in a different capacity. Like a good mother, Jane made sure that the children were healthy. The boss chose Laura as a deputy.
And you can consolidate this topic in our online simulator using the exercise “The difference between As and Like”!
Hope everything is clear now! Stay classy as you can!
Big and friendly EnglishDom family
Well, what can you say about this “like”? This word is well known to everyone, even those who don’t know English at all and have never studied, and for many this word is associated with a thumbs up or hearts on social networks. We even say “like” in Russian.
Native English speakers very often use the word LIKE, let's understand all the meanings and how this or that meaning is translated into Russian.
Meaning "to like"
The first and, probably, the most common meaning is the use of the verb in the meaning of “to like”, “to receive pleasure from some action.” = Enjoy.
I like your hairstyle. - I like your hairstyle.
When the verb like is followed by another verb, it often takes the form of a gerund (ending -ing).
He likes playing football.
By the way, the option He likes to play football is also possible, especially in American English.
Meaning "to have a habit"
The next meaning is “to consider something a good idea”, “to have the habit of doing something”. That is, here we do not necessarily enjoy some action, we try to do this because it is right in our opinion or we often do this, it is our habit. In this meaning, after the verb like, the subsequent verb is always used only in the form of an infinitive with a particle to.
Compare:
I like to do exercises every morning. - I like to do exercises every morning (I may not enjoy the process itself, but I like the idea, I think it’s good for me and I do it all the time).
I like doing exercises. - I like doing exercises (I enjoy the process).
I like to go to the doctor twice a year. - I like to go to the doctor twice a year (not that I enjoy it, but it's a good idea, I do it all the time).
Having said I like going to the doctor, you imply that you enjoy it. I have never met such people before :)
In the “I would like” construction
Very often native English speakers instead I want- “I want” is used I would like (I'd like)- “I would like” - this sounds more polite and formal, that is, more appropriate as a request or suggestion in restaurants, cafes and all kinds of establishments. After would like either a noun or an infinitive with a particle is used to.
Also remember that would is a strong verb, which means it will be the one that will participate in the construction of negatives and questions. (The previous versions use an auxiliary verb: Do you like smth/doing smth? I don't like smth/doing something).
I’d like a cup of coffee, please.
What would you like to order, sir?
As a preposition or conjunction
Like- optionally a verb, it can be a preposition or conjunction “as” and is often used after verbs look, sound, feel, etc.
He looks like a doctor. - He looks like a doctor.
She looks like an actress. - She looks like an actress.
You just sounded like your mother. - You just spoke (sounded) just like your mother.
What does she look like? - How does she look?
I feel like dancing. - I don't mind dancing.
In conjunction with the verb "be"
Note, like in the meaning of “how” can be used simply with the linking verb “be”, which is also strong and is involved in the construction of questions and negations:
What is she like? -What is she like? (describe) (Not what does she like?)
What is it like living abroad? - What is it like to live abroad?
What is the weather like? - What's the weather like? (describe)
He was like: “I don’t know.” And I was like: “Neither do I.” “He’s like (he says), “I don’t know.” And I’m like (and I say): “Me too.”
Important: Some students often ask: “What to use: As or like?» Like And as translated into Russian as “how” and they are often confused. The difference between them is that like compares two different objects, but as speaks about the same thing.
For example:
I work as a teacher. (The teacher and I are the same person).
Tom is like his father. (Tom and his father are two different people).
As an adjective
Word " like" is a representative of grammatical homonyms, this word can be a verb (translated as "like"), a preposition (as), and also (similar). For example,
There is a chance to meet people of like mind. - There is a chance to meet people of similar views.
Use like as an adjective can often be found in comparative constructions as like as:
They are as like as two peas. - They are as similar as two peas in a pod (literally translated as “peas”)
As like as chalk and cheese - Similar as a nail to a memorial service (i.e. nothing in common; literally - like chalk and cheese).
And be sure to take the test.
Best wishes, your Polina 4lang.
In conclusion, as always, a video tutorial