As vs. Like

As and like are both used to compare things, but they are not used in the same way. The key difference is grammatical: like is followed by a noun, while as is followed by a clause (subject + verb).

1. Like → similar to (noun or pronoun)

Use like to compare things. It is followed by a noun or pronoun.

• She sings like a professional.
• He looks like his father.
• It feels like summer.

Structure:

• like + noun/pronoun

2. As → role or function / clause

As has two main uses:

a) As = in the role of

• She works as a teacher. (= her job)
• He used the box as a table.

b) As = followed by a clause

• Do it as I showed you.
• She behaved as she always does.

Structure:

• as + subject + verb

3. Key difference

• Like → noun (comparison)
• As → clause or role

• He speaks like a native. (comparison)
• He speaks as a teacher. (role)

4. Common mistake

• ❌ Do it like I told you.
• ✔️ Do it as I told you.

(In informal English, “like” is often used here, but “as” is more correct in formal English.)