Like and As

These two small words are really great to use when linking parts of a sentence together, or giving more information about something.

For example (like and such as)

• I enjoy playing ball sports, like football, rugby and tennis.

• I enjoy playing ball sports, such as football, rugby and tennis.

• They enjoy creative hobbies, like painting, knitting and writing.

• They enjoy creative hobbies, such as painting, knitting and writing.

Like and as can both be used in these sentences, when we could also say 'for example'.

Similar to - the same as (like)

We use 'like' to say that one thing is almost the same as another.

• What is that noise? It sounds like someone screaming! (not 'as' someone screaming)

• Their driveway is slippery when it's rained. It's like walking on ice. (not 'as' walking on ice)

• They have so many decorations in their house at Christmas, it's like Santa's grotto!

Use 'as' (not 'like') before subject + verb

What do we mean by this?

• He passed his exam, as I expected. (I = subject, expected = verb (to expect))

• It's raining again, just as you predicted. (you = subject, predicted = verb (to predict))

• As we thought, the competition isn't going ahead due to a lack of competitors. (we = subject, thought = verb (to think))

'In the position of' or 'in the form of' (as)

We can use this to talk about jobs or when something functions as something other than it's purpose:

• As a taxi driver, I meet lots of interesting people.

• We have an extra bedroom in our house, which we use as a study.

• I use an old mug as a holder for my paintbrushes.

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