Like vs As - English In A Minute

Hi! I'm Tim from BBC Learning English,

here to tell you about two words we use to say

that things are similar.

We use 'like' as a preposition

before a noun or pronoun, and it means 'similar to'.

He ran like the wind.

Not: He ran as the wind.

We use 'like', and not 'as', to compare appearances.

This house looks like a castle.

'As' can be used as a preposition.

It means 'in the role of'.

Dan,

as your friend I have to say you're not a good singer.

We often use 'as' to talk about people's jobs.

I work as an actor.

Be careful using 'like' and 'as'

because the meaning can change:

'As your brother, I'll try to help you'

means 'I actually am your brother'.

Change it to 'like', and it means

'I'm not your brother but I want to act in a similar way'.