As vs Like — Role vs Resemblance — English Grammar Exercises
by, with, for, about, of, as, like — use each one precisely
As vs Like — Role vs Resemblance
The as/like distinction is one of the most reliably tested points at B2 level and one of the most persistently confused. It maps onto a fundamental semantic contrast: identity/function versus similarity. Research published in the journal English Language Teaching found that learners at B1–B2 substitute 'like' for 'as' in role contexts in over 45% of production tasks where the distinction is relevant, even after explicit instruction. The confusion is reinforced by languages — including Russian — in which a single word or construction covers both meanings.
As — In the Role Of
Use 'as' when the person or thing actually IS what follows, or genuinely performs that function:
He used the chair as a table. (the chair served that function)
As a child, I spent summers at my grandparents'. (when I was a child)
Like — Similarity and Comparison
Use 'like' when drawing a comparison — the person or thing resembles but is not actually what follows:
Stop behaving like a child! You're 30. (comparison to a child)
She sings like a professional.
The Function Test
Substitute 'in the role of' for 'as' — if it sounds natural, 'as' is correct. Substitute 'similarly to' for 'like' — if it sounds natural, 'like' is correct.
Common Mistakes
✗ She's been working like a freelance designer for three years. → ✓ She's been working as a freelance designer.
✗ He used the chair like a table. → ✓ He used the chair as a table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'by' and 'with' in English?
'By' describes a method or means — how something is done at an abstract level: 'by bus', 'by email', 'by hand', 'by mistake'. 'With' describes a tool or instrument you physically hold and use: 'with a pen', 'with scissors', 'with a spoon'. The test: if you can hold the object in your hand, use 'with'. If it's an abstract method or means of transport/communication, use 'by'. 'With' also expresses accompaniment ('with my friends') and manner ('with care').
When do you use 'as' and when do you use 'like'?
'As' introduces an actual role or function — the person or thing genuinely is what follows: 'She works as a nurse' (she IS a nurse), 'He used the chair as a table' (the chair functioned as a table). 'Like' introduces a comparison — the person or thing resembles but is not identical to what follows: 'He runs like a professional athlete' (similar, but he's not one). A common error: 'She works like a nurse' implies she is not actually a nurse. Use 'as' for real roles; 'like' for similarities.
Which preposition follows 'responsible', 'famous', and 'interested'?
These are fixed collocations: 'responsible for' (never 'about' or 'of'), 'famous for' (never 'about'), 'interested in' (never 'by' — though the Russian instrumental case suggests 'by'). Other key collocations: 'afraid of', 'proud of', 'tired of', 'good at', 'depends on', 'consists of', 'apologise for', 'thank someone for'. Learning these as complete chunks — adjective + preposition — is more reliable than trying to derive them from rules.
What is the difference between 'made of' and 'made from'?
'Made of' is used when the original material is still visible or identifiable in the final product: 'a table made of wood' (you can see the wood), 'a ring made of gold' (the gold is apparent). 'Made from' is used when the material has been completely transformed and is no longer recognisable: 'wine made from grapes' (no grapes visible), 'paper made from wood pulp'. In practice, 'made of' is the safer default for solid, visible materials.