as and like

I. Similarity

We can use like or as to say that things are similar

1. Like is preposition. We use like before a noun or pronoun

like + noun/ pronoun

• You look like your sister (not .. as your sister)


• He ran like the wind .


• It's like a dream


• She's dressed just like me

We use like to give examples

• He's good at some subjects, like mathematics
  (not ..as mathematics)


• In mountainous countries, like Switzerland...

2. As is a conjunction. We use as before a clause,
an expression beginning with a preposition

as + clause

as + preposition phrase

• Nobody knows her as I do


• We often drink tea with the meal, as they do in China


• In 1939, as in 1914, everybody wanted war


• On Friday, as on Tuesday, the meeting will bee at 6.30

In formal English like is often used instead of as.
This is very common in American English

• Nobody loves you like I do

II. Function

1. We use as, not like to say what function a person or things has-
   what jobs people do, what things are used for, etc.

• He worked as a waiter for two years (not ... like a waiter)


• Please don't use your plate as an ashtray