Quick answer: Like is a preposition meaning “similar to” — it is followed by a noun or pronoun: She sings like a professional. As is a conjunction or preposition meaning “in the way that” or “in the role of” — it is followed by a clause or a role/function: Do as I say. / She works as a teacher. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘as’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| like | preposition | similar to; in the same way as (noun/pronoun follows) | He runs like the wind. |
| as | conjunction / preposition | in the way that; in the role/function of (clause or role follows) | Do as you’re told. / She works as a nurse. |
Using Like (Preposition)
Like is a preposition meaning “similar to” or “in the same way as.” It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase — NOT by a clause (subject + verb).
He swims like a fish.
She looks like her mother.
This feels like silk.
Nobody does it like you do. (you = pronoun, no verb follows in this use)
Like in Informal Speech
In informal spoken English, like is increasingly used as a conjunction before clauses: “It looks like it’s going to rain.” This use is common in everyday speech but avoided in formal writing, where “as if” or “as though” is preferred.
(informal) It sounds like he’s angry.
(formal) It sounds as if he is angry.
(formal) She looked as though she had seen a ghost.
Using As (Conjunction and Preposition)
As is a conjunction introducing a clause (subject + verb). It means “in the way that,” “at the same time as,” or “because.”
Do as I say, not as I do.
As she walked in, everyone fell silent.
As it was getting dark, we turned back.
Leave everything as it is.
As in the Role/Function Sense
As can also be a preposition meaning “in the capacity/role of.” Here it describes a function or identity, not a similarity.
She works as a doctor.
He was employed as a consultant.
As your friend, I must tell you the truth.
The room was used as a studio.
Common Mistakes
✗ Do it like I showed you. (informal/incorrect in formal writing)
✓ Do it as I showed you.
Note: In formal writing, as introduces clauses. Like should be followed by nouns/pronouns only.
✗ She runs as the wind.
✓ She runs like the wind.
Note: When expressing similarity before a noun, use like — not as.
✗ She works like a teacher at the school. (she IS a teacher, not just similar)
✓ She works as a teacher at the school.
Note: as + role = the actual function; like + noun = similarity only.
Also confusing: Although vs Even Though, Accept vs Except. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: As or Like?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “She sings ___ an angel.”
2. “Do ___ your mother says.”
3. “He works ___ an engineer.”
4. “It smells ___ roses in here.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between as and like?
Like is a preposition used before nouns/pronouns to express similarity: “She runs like the wind.” As is a conjunction (before clauses) or preposition (before roles): “Do as I say” / “She works as a nurse.”
Can like be used before a clause?
In informal spoken English yes: “It looks like it might rain.” In formal writing, use as if or as though before clauses: “It looks as if it might rain.”
When do I use as to mean “in the role of”?
Use as when describing someone’s actual job, function, or capacity: “She worked as a nurse.” / “He was hired as a consultant.” Do not use like here — like only means similar to, not actually being something.
What does “as if” mean?
As if introduces a hypothetical or imaginary comparison. It means “in a way that suggests”: “She spoke as if she knew everything.” In informal English, like is sometimes used instead: “She spoke like she knew everything.”
Is “like I said” grammatically correct?
In formal writing, “as I said” is preferred. “Like I said” is common in informal speech and is widely understood, but grammar guides recommend “as I said” in academic or professional contexts.
Can as and like both mean “for example”?
Yes. Such as and like are both used to give examples: “sports like football and tennis” / “sports such as football and tennis.” As is not used this way — use “such as.”
What is “as well as” and how is it different from like?
As well as means “in addition to”: “She speaks French as well as Spanish.” Like means “similar to” and cannot replace “as well as.”
What is the difference between “as” and “because”?
As can mean “because” when giving a reason, but it is weaker and more formal: “As it was raining, we stayed indoors.” Because is more direct and stronger: “We stayed indoors because it was raining.”
Is it “like me” or “as me”?
After verbs like “be,” “seem,” “feel” when comparing, use “like me” (preposition): “She is just like me.” As me is not standard in this context.
How do as and like appear in IELTS writing?
In IELTS, as is preferred in formal academic writing when introducing clauses or expressing role: “As noted above...” / “She served as leader.” Like is suitable for comparisons before nouns. Using like before a clause in IELTS writing is considered informal and may lower your grammar score.