Many people are unsure whether to use “like” or “as” in a sentence. These two small words are often confused, but they don’t mean the same thing. They are both used to compare things, but they are used in different ways.
Like is usually used to compare nouns (people or things), while as is used to compare actions (things people do). This is an important grammar rule in English, especially for speaking and writing clearly.
In this article, you’ll learn the difference between like and as, how to use them in sentences, and see lots of examples to help you remember. We’ll also look at some common mistakes and give you a short quiz at the end so you can practice.
How to Use “Like”
“Like” is used to compare things. More specifically, it compares nouns or pronouns. It means “similar to” or “in the same way as.”
When you use “like,” it should be followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase—not a full clause with a subject and verb.
Examples:
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She sings like a professional singer.
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He looks like his father.
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It smells like fresh bread.
In each of these examples, “like” is comparing one thing to another thing—not describing how something is done, but what it is similar to.
So remember: if you’re comparing things or people, and not actions, “like” is usually the right word.
How to Use “As”
“As” is also used to make comparisons, but it’s different from “like.” It’s used when you’re comparing actions—and it should be followed by a subject and verb (a clause).
“As” means “in the way that” or “in the same way as.” It shows how something is done.
Examples:
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She sings as a professional singer does.
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He behaves as his father taught him.
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I did it as you asked.
Notice that in each case, “as” is followed by a full clause—a subject and a verb (like “a professional singer does,” “his father taught him”).
So if you’re comparing actions or ways of doing things, use “as,” especially in formal writing.
Like vs. As – The Main Difference
Here’s the basic rule:
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Use “like” to compare nouns (people or things).
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Use “as” to compare actions (verbs/clauses).
Here’s a simple comparison to help make that clear:
| Use Case | Word | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comparing people/things | like | He runs like a cheetah. | He is fast, similar to a cheetah. |
| Comparing actions | as | He runs as his coach taught him. | He runs in the same way his coach taught. |
If the part after “like” or “as” has a subject and a verb, use “as.”
Spoken English vs. Formal Writing
In spoken English, you’ll often hear people say things like:
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He sings like his brother does.
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Do it like I told you.
While this is common in everyday conversation, in formal writing, it’s better to use “as” in those cases:
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He sings as his brother does.
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Do it as I told you.
This is one of those grammar rules where casual speaking is more flexible, but writing needs to be more precise.
Common Mistakes
Let’s look at some common errors people make when using “like” and “as”:
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Wrong: She dances like her sister does.
Right: She dances as her sister does. -
Wrong: Do it like I told you.
Right: Do it as I told you. -
Wrong: He talks like his teacher talks.
Right: He talks as his teacher does.
If you can spot a full sentence (with a subject + verb) after the word, choose “as.” If there’s just a noun or pronoun, go with “like.”
Quiz: Like vs. As
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
1. He runs ___ a professional athlete.
a) like
b) as
2. She sings ___ her mother taught her.
a) like
b) as
3. They fight ___ brothers often do.
a) like
b) as
4. He looks ___ his uncle.
a) like
b) as
5. Do it ___ I showed you.
a) like
b) as
6. The room smells ___ fresh paint.
a) like
b) as
7. He behaves ___ his dad behaves.
a) like
b) as
8. I dressed ___ she did.
a) like
b) as
9. That sounds ___ a good idea.
a) like
b) as
10. She works ___ a professional should.
a) like
b) as
Quiz Answers
1) like
2) as
3) as
4) like
5) as
6) like
7) as
8) as
9) like
10) as
