Like vs. As: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 27, 2023
"Like" indicates similarity; "As" denotes function or role.
Key Differences
"Like" is employed to highlight resemblances between two unrelated entities, making a figurative comparison. On the other hand, "As" is utilized to point out equivalencies in role, function, or identity, establishing a more literal comparison.
When "Like" precedes a noun or pronoun, it suggests that something is similar in characteristics but not identical, supporting an analogy rather than an assertion of sameness. Conversely, "As" is more about equivalence and is commonly used with verbs, signifying that the subjects share the same activity, state, or role.
"Like" often introduces a simile, creating an imaginative link between two distinct items for illustrative purposes. In contrast, "As" frequently sets the stage for a metaphor, insisting on a more concrete or actual equivalence between the entities involved, rather than just a comparative one.
"Like" is typically restricted to connecting nouns or pronouns, indicating comparable qualities or traits. "As," however, has a broader grammatical reach, able to link clauses and even full sentences, signifying a similar state or action.
In usage, "Like" is more casual, often found in everyday conversation to draw comparisons. "As," meanwhile, is formal and more precise, used in structured statements and often in written form to denote exact roles, functions, or states.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Function
Shows similarity
Indicates function or role
Grammatical Role
Preposition
Conjunction or preposition
Common Usage
Comparisons, resemblances
Equivalence, same function or role
Structure
Used with nouns or pronouns
Used with clauses or sentences
Formality
More casual
More formal
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Like and As Definitions
Like
"Like" introduces a simile.
She sings like an angel.
As
"As" indicates the manner in which something happens.
Do as I say.
Like
To find pleasant or attractive; enjoy
Do you like ice cream? I like your style.
As
"As" refers to the reason for something.
As you were late, we left.
Like
To want to have
I would like some coffee.
As
"As" suggests that something happens while another action is taking place.
As he read, he ate.
Like
To prefer
How would you like your coffee—with sugar or without?.
As
To the same extent or degree; equally
The child sang as sweetly as a nightingale.
Like
To feel about; regard
How do you like these new theater seats?.
As
For instance
Large mammals, as the bear or lion.
Like
To believe or predict that (a certain competitor) will win a contest
Which team do you like in tonight's game?.
As
When taken into consideration in a specified relation or form
This definition as distinguished from the second one.
Like
To perform well under (a given condition) or using (a given feature)
This car does not like cold weather. The engine does not like enriched fuel.
As
To the same degree or quantity that. Often used as a correlative after so or as
You are as sweet as sugar. The situation is not so bad as you suggest.
Like
(Archaic) To be pleasing to.
As
In the same manner or way that
Think as I think.
Like
To have an inclination or a preference
If you like, we can meet you there.
As
At the same time that; while
Slipped on the ice as I ran home.
Like
(Scots) To be pleased.
As
For the reason that; because
Went to bed early, as I was exhausted.
Like
Something that is liked; a preference
Made a list of his likes and dislikes.
As
With the result that
He was so foolish as to lie.
Like
One similar to or like another. Used with the
Was subject to coughs, asthma, and the like.
As
Though
Great as the author was, he proved a bad model. Ridiculous as it seems, the tale is true.
Like
Often likes(Informal) An equivalent or similar person or thing; an equal or match
I've never seen the likes of this before. We'll never see his like again.
As
In accordance with which or with the way in which
The hotel is quite comfortable as such establishments go. The sun is hot, as everyone knows.
Like
Possessing the characteristics of; resembling closely; similar to
Your house is like mine.
As
(Informal) That
I don't know as I can answer your question.
Like
In the typical manner of
It's not like you to take offense.
As
In the role, capacity, or function of
Acting as a mediator.
Like
In the same way as
Lived like royalty.
As
In a manner similar to; the same as
On this issue they thought as one.
Like
Inclined or disposed to
Felt like running away.
As
An ancient Roman coin of copper or copper alloy.
Like
As if the probability exists for
Looks like a bad year for farmers.
As
An ancient Roman unit of weight equal to about one troy pound.
Like
Such as; for example
Saved things like old newspapers and pieces of string.
As
To such an extent or degree; to the same extent or degree.
You’re not as tall as I am.
It's not as well made, but it's twice as expensive.
Like
Possessing the same or almost the same characteristics; similar
On this and like occasions.
As
Considered to be, in relation to something else; in the relation (specified).
Like
In the manner of being; as if. Used as an intensifier of action
Worked like hell.
Ran like crazy.
As
(dated) For example; for instance. such as.}}
Like
(Informal) Probably; likely
Like as not she'll change her mind.
As
; very much; extremely
Sweet as
Like
Nearly; approximately
The price is more like 1,000 dollars.
As
In the (same) way or manner that; to the (same) degree that.
Do as I say!
I'm under a lot of pressure, as you know.
As you wish, my lord!
The kidnappers released him as agreed.
Like
(Nonstandard) Used to provide emphasis or to focus attention on something
Let's like talk about this for a minute. It's like so crowded you can't move.
As
So or as to introduce a comparison.}}
She's twice as strong as I was two years ago.
It's not so complicated as I expected.
Like
In the same way that; as
To dance like she does requires great discipline.
As
With the result that it is.
Like
As if
It looks like we'll finish on time.
As
Though.
Like
To enjoy, be pleased by; favor; be in favor of.
I like hamburgers.
I like skiing in winter.
I like the Seattle Mariners this season.
As
At the time that; during the time when:
Like
To please.
As
At the same instant or moment that: when.
As I came in, she fled.
Like
(obsolete) To derive pleasure of, by or with someone or something.
As
At the same time that, during the same time when: while.
He sleeps as the rain falls.
Like
To prefer and maintain (an action) as a regular habit or activity.
I like to go to the dentist every six months.
She likes to keep herself physically fit.
We like to keep one around the office just in case.
As
Varying through time in the same proportion that.
As my fear grew, so did my legs become heavy.
As she grew older, she grew wiser.
Like
(obsolete) To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
As
Being that, considering that, because, since.
As it’s too late, I quit.
Like
(archaic) To come near; to avoid with difficulty; to escape narrowly.
He liked to have been too late.
As
(dated) Introducing a comparison with a hypothetical state (+ subjunctive, or with the verb elided): as though, as if.
Like
To find attractive; to prefer the company of; to have mild romantic feelings for.
I really like Sandra but don't know how to tell her.
As
(law) used before a preposition to clarify that the prepositional phrase restricts the meaning of the sentence; specifically.
Like
(obsolete) To liken; to compare.
As
That, which, who. See usage notes.
He had the same problem as she did getting the lock open.
Like
To show support for, or approval of, something posted on the Internet by marking it with a vote.
I liked my friend's last status on Facebook.
I can't stand Bloggs' tomato ketchup, but I liked it on Facebook so I could enter a competition.
As
Than.
Like
(with 'would' and in certain other phrases) To want, desire. See also would like.
Would you like a cigarette?
We could go to the museum if you like.
I don't like to disturb him when he's working.
As
In the role of.
What is your opinion as a parent?
He was never seen as the boss, but rather as a friend.
Like
To accept as an input.
We were frustrated that our seeming innocent choice for a team name was rejected by the censor. Apparently somewhere in the name is a word that the censor doesn’t like.
As
By way of
I bought you a new toy as a special treat.
Like
To be likely.
As
(unit of weight) A libra.
Like
Something that a person likes (prefers).
Tell me your likes and dislikes.
As
Any of several coins of Rome, coined in bronze or later copper; or the equivalent value.
Like
(internet) An individual vote showing support for, approval of, or enjoyment of, something posted on the Internet.
As
(rare) a's.
Like
(sometimes as the likes of) Someone similar to a given person, or something similar to a given object; a comparative; a type; a sort.
There were bowls full of sweets, chocolates and the like.
It was something the likes of which I had never seen before.
As
Denoting equality or likeness in kind, degree, or manner; like; similar to; in the same manner with or in which; in accordance with; in proportion to; to the extent or degree in which or to which; equally; no less than; as, ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil; you will reap as you sow; do as you are bidden.
His spiritual attendants adjured him, as he loved his soul, to emancipate his brethren.
Like
(golf) The stroke that equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side.
To play the like
As
In the idea, character, or condition of, - limiting the view to certain attributes or relations; as, virtue considered as virtue; this actor will appear as Hamlet.
The beggar is greater as a man, than is the man merely as a king.
Like
Similar.
My partner and I have like minds.
The two cats were as like as though they had come from the same litter.
As
While; during or at the same time that; when; as, he trembled as he spoke.
As I return I will fetch off these justices.
Like
Likely; probable.
As
Because; since; it being the case that.
As the population of Scotland had been generally trained to arms . . . they were not indifferently prepared.
Like
Inclined (to), prone (to).
He seems like to run from any semblance of hard work.
As
Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning).
We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited.
Like
Likely.
As
That, introducing or expressing a result or consequence, after the correlatives so and such.
I can place thee in such abject state, as help shall never find thee.
The relations are so uncertain as they require a great deal of examination.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
As
As if; as though.
He lies, as he his bliss did know.
Like
(colloquial) As, the way.
As
For instance; by way of example; thus; - used to introduce illustrative phrases, sentences, or citations.
Like
As if; as though.
It looks like you've finished the project.
It seemed like you didn't care.
As
Than.
The king was not more forward to bestow favors on them as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors.
Like
Similar to, reminiscent of
As
Expressing a wish.
Like
Typical of
It would be just like Achilles to be sulking in his tent.
As
An ace.
Like
Approximating
Popcorn costs something like $10 dollars at the movies.
As
The chemical symbol for arsenic.
Like
In the manner of, similarly to
He doesn't act like a president.
As
A Roman weight, answering to the libra or pound, equal to nearly eleven ounces Troy weight. It was divided into twelve ounces.
Like
Such as
It's for websites like Wikipedia.
As
A Roman copper coin, originally of a pound weight (12 oz.); but reduced, after the first Punic war, to two ounces; in the second Punic war, to one ounce; and afterwards to half an ounce.
Like
As if there would be
It looks like a hot summer in Europe.
As
A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar
Like
Used to ask for a description or opinion of someone or something
I hear she has a new boyfriend. What's he like?
What's the weather like in Ürümqi today?
As
A United States territory on the eastern part of the island of Samoa
Like
Having the same, or nearly the same, appearance, qualities, or characteristics; resembling; similar to; similar; alike; - often with in and the particulars of the resemblance; as, they are like each other in features, complexion, and many traits of character.
'T is as like youAs cherry is to cherry.
Like master, like man.
He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar-frost like ashes.
As
To the same degree (often followed by `as');
They were equally beautiful
Birds were singing and the child sang as sweetly
Sang as sweetly as a nightingale
He is every bit as mean as she is
Like
Equal, or nearly equal; as, fields of like extent.
More clergymen were impoverished by the late war than ever in the like space before.
As
"As" introduces a role or identity.
He works as a doctor.
Like
Having probability; affording probability; probable; likely.
But it is like the jolly world about us will scoff at the paradox of these practices.
Many were not easy to be governed, nor like to conform themselves to strict rules.
As
"As" denotes a comparison of equality.
As fast as lightning.
Like
Inclined toward; disposed to; as, to feel like taking a walk.
Had like to have been my utter overthrow.
Ramona had like to have said the literal truth, . . . but recollected herself in time.
Like
That which is equal or similar to another; the counterpart; an exact resemblance; a copy.
He was a man, take him for all in all,I shall not look upon his like again.
Like
A liking; a preference; inclination; - usually in pl.; as, we all have likes and dislikes.
Like
The stroke which equalizes the number of strokes played by the opposing player or side; as, to play the like.
Like
In a manner like that of; in a manner similar to; as, do not act like him.
He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man.
Like
In a like or similar manner.
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.
Like
Likely; probably.
Like
To suit; to please; to be agreeable to.
Cornwall him liked best, therefore he chose there.
I willingly confess that it likes me much better when I find virtue in a fair lodging than when I am bound to seek it in an ill-favored creature.
Like
To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve; to take satisfaction in; to enjoy.
He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking to loving.
Like
To liken; to compare.
Like me to the peasant boys of France.
Like
To be pleased; to choose.
He may either go or stay, as he best likes.
Like
To have an appearance or expression; to look; to seem to be (in a specified condition).
You like well, and bear your years very well.
Like
Prefer or wish to do something;
Do you care to try this dish?
Would you like to come along to the movies?
Like
Find enjoyable or agreeable;
I like jogging
She likes to read Russian novels
Like
Be fond of;
I like my nephews
Like
Feel about or towards; consider, evaluate, or regard;
How did you like the President's speech last night?
Like
Want to have;
I'd like a beer now!
Like
Resembling or similar; having the same or some of the same characteristics; often used in combination;
Suits of like design
A limited circle of like minds
Members of the cat family have like dispositions
As like as two peas in a pod
Doglike devotion
A dreamlike quality
Like
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Like
Having the same or similar characteristics;
All politicians are alike
They looked utterly alike
Friends are generaly alike in background and taste
Like
Conforming in every respect;
Boxes with corresponding dimensions
The like period of the preceding year
Like
"Like" denotes similarity between two entities.
He runs like the wind.
Like
"Like" suggests enjoyment or preference.
I like pizza.
Like
"Like" implies the manner of action.
Act like you know.
Like
"Like" indicates the possibility of something being true.
It sounds like rain.
FAQs
Can "as" start a sentence?
Yes, especially when indicating a reason.
Does "as" always require a verb?
Often, especially when linking clauses.
Can "like" and "as" be used interchangeably?
Sometimes, but they have distinct nuances.
Is "like" a preposition?
Yes, and sometimes a verb (to like).
Is "like" informal?
It’s more casual than "as."
Can "like" introduce a clause?
No, it precedes nouns or pronouns.
Is "like" only used for comparisons?
Primarily, but it also indicates preference.
What part of speech is "as"?
It can be a conjunction or preposition.
Does "like" imply exactness?
No, it indicates similarity, not sameness.
Can "as" imply time?
Yes, in contexts like "as the years pass."
Can "as" mean "because"?
Yes, when giving a reason.
Does "as" have multiple meanings?
Yes, its function changes with context.
Does "like" suggest approximation?
Yes, it's about resemblance, not precision.
Can "as" compare actions?
Yes, indicating they’re done similarly.
Is "like" used in formal writing?
Less often than "as."
Can "like" mean "for example"?
Informally, but "such as" is more precise.
Is "as" used in similes?
Rarely, it's more common in metaphors.
Does "as" introduce metaphors?
It can, by asserting equivalence.
Is "like" synonymous with "such as"?
In some contexts, indicating examples.
Can "as" indicate simultaneous actions?
Yes, especially in actions happening together.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
