Words that cause confusion
Like
Like can be a proposition, meaning similar to or in the same way as
– Do you look like your sister?
– Like John, I hate cooking.
We use the question What … like? when we are asking for a description of a person, place or thing
– What’s the restaurant like?
– Oh, really good.
Like can mean such as/for example
– Let’s buy him something nice like/such as a CD.
Feel like + object/-ing is used to talk about something that we want or want to do
– I feel like eating some crisps.
Seem/sound/look like + object is used to introduce an idea we may not be completely sure about
– It seems like a good idea.
Like is not used before an adjective on its own
– They seem happy. It feels cold.
As
As can be a proposition, coming before the name of a job or a role, or to describe the purpose of something
– She works as a sales manager.
– As your father, I can’t allow you to do this.
– We use the loft as a play room for the kids.
– I think of her as my best friend.
As can be a conjunction, followed by subject + verb
– You should do as your parents say.
– I’ll do as we agreed earlier.
Watch Out!
In colloquial English like is also used as a conjunction in this way, but this is regarded as incorrect by some people, and is not used in formal writing.
– Like I said, he’s a really nice guy. (colloquial)
– I want you to do like I tell you. (colloquial)