There is often quite a bit of confusion with As and Like, in one of their uses they both seem to mean ’similar’ or ‘the same’. I’ve written this with the intention of trying to make this a little clearer so that less mistakes will be made.
Both As and Like can be used as conjunctions and prepositions, whilst As is also sometimes an adverb and Like also a verb. Here’s an example of each:
As as an adverb – Alice is as intelligent as her brother.
As as a conjunction – As prices rise, so people find it more difficult to maintain their standard of living.
As as a preposition – As your manager, you are expected to do what I tell you.
Like as a verb – He didn’t like her very much.
Like as a conjunction – It looks like it’s going to be hot today. (informal – see below*)
Like as a preposition – John is like his father.
The confusion between these two words is when they are used as prepositions.
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One of my clients recently said something like “I’ve been to the park few times before.”
Question last week, “What’s the difference between waiting and awaiting?”
