I. Similarity
We can use like or as to say that things are similar
- Like is preposition. We use like before a noun or pronoun
like + noun/ pronoun
- You look like your sister (not .. as your sister)
- He ran like the wind .
- It’s like a dream
- She’s dressed just like me
We use like to give examples
- He’s good at some subjects, like mathematics
(not ..as mathematics) - In mountainous countries, like Switzerland…
2. As is a conjunction. We use as before a clause,
an expression beginning with a preposition
as + clause
as + preposition phrase
- Nobody knows her as I do
- We often drink tea with the meal, as they do in China
- In 1939, as in 1914, everybody wanted war
- On Friday, as on Tuesday, the meeting will bee at 6.30
In formal English like is often used instead of as.
This is very common in American English
- Nobody loves you like I do
II. Function
- We use as, not like to say what function a person or things has-
what jobs people do, what things are used for, etc.
- He worked as a waiter for two years (not … like a waiter)
- Please don’t use your plate as an ashtray