Mistaken Words Like and As

There is much confusion about these two words because they are similar in meaning. Here are some important differences between them:

LIKE is used:

• to say what something or someone looks / is like.

Peter’s girl-friend looks like Annie Lennox.

Your doorbell sounds like a siren.

The soup smells like fish.

• with noun / pronoun / gerund.

I look like my mum.

The balloon ride was like flying.

AS is used:

• to describe someone’s job / role:

He had worked as a waiter before college.

As your teacher, I am proud of you.

• in expressions: as…as, such as…, the same as…

Jane ran as fast as she could.

Brian visited many Mediterranean countries such as Italy, France, and Greece.