The Distinction Between AS and LIKE
The distinction between "as" and "like" is one of the most common hurdles in English grammar. While they both function as tools for comparison, the difference lies in their grammatical "weight"—specifically, what kind of words follow them. Here is a guide to mastering the nuances between the two. 1. The Golden Rule: Structure The easiest way to decide which word to use is to look at what follows it. Use "Like" with Nouns or Pronouns Think of like as a preposition. It is used to compare two things based on appearance or behavior. It is followed by a noun , a pronoun , or a gerund (-ing word), but never a full clause (subject + verb). Example: "She sings like an angel." (Noun) Example: "He runs like me." (Pronoun) Use "As" with Clauses Think of as as a conjunction. It is used when the comparison includes a subject and a verb . Example: "She sings as an angel sings....