These two words can be very confused because they have a very similar meaning, and also we can use them in the same way.

Common ways to use “as”

• To talk about jobs = He works as a teacher.
• To express similarity = She likes pizzas as I do.
• To replace “because” = I stayed at home as it was raining.
• To replace “when” = I saw her as I was going to the store.
• To compare = You work hard, as me.

Common ways to use “like”

• To give examples = I’ve been to many countries, like Russia, France and Italy.
• To express similarity using “look”, “sound” and “smell” = It tastes like chicken.
• To compare = You work hard, like me.

Time to practice!

as, like

1. She arrived as I was leaving.
2. It smells like something is burning.