LIKE and AS are confusing for many English learners. Let me try to show you how they are used in specific examples.
When we want to talk about two things that are similar or the same we can use like and as.
To stop you getting confused when you use them remember these rules:
1. LIKE
Like is used as a preposition and therefore should be followed by a noun:
"It's hot in this room. It's like an oven!" - Both an oven and this room are hot
"John works in an office, like me." - We both work in an office.
2. AS
As is used to compare something that is the same as something else, or in the same condition.
You must use a subject and a verb after as.
"As I told you, the English teacher will be late."
"It rained all week as they said it would."
AS - preposition / conjunction
As may function as a preposition and is used when we talk about a job or function:
Examples:
I worked as a teacher for a 25 years now.Don't use the garden as an ashtray because I don't like it.He used the posters as a decoration in his office.The sun can be used as a source of energy.
As may also be used as a conjunction meaning in the same way that...
Examples:
She behaved exactly as her mother told her.When in Rome do as the Romans do.
LIKE - preposition / conjunction
Like may be used as preposition meaning similar to. It is used to compare things.
Examples:
He has been working like a dog.I am like my father. I hate shopping.He looks like his grandfather.
Like is often used in place of the subordinating conjunction as, or as if.
Examples:
They look like they have been having fun. = They look as if they have been having fun.
And to finish, make sure you know if you use the correct one or you may end up with a problem .... look at these two sentences:
As your father, I must tell you to drive carefully. (I am your father.)
Like your father, I must tell you to drive carefully. (I agree with your father and tell you the same thing.)
After reading this lesson you may want to do some exercises, then just click HERE.