Dictionary of English - like or as

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Like and as can both be used before nouns: It flies like a bird; I meant it as a surprise. The two are not interchangeable: notice the difference between: Speaking as a father, I deplore these changes (I am a father, and I speak in that capacity) and: I want to speak to you like a father (I am not your father, but I will speak as if I were).

Like and as can also be used before verbs. But whereas as is completely acceptable: She performed the sonata perfectly, as she always does, like is not regarded as part of standard English, and it would not be correct to say: She performed the sonata perfectly, like she always does. Similarly, as if and as though are acceptable: You look as if you'd seen a ghost, but like should be avoided in formal or careful writing, for example: You look like you'd seen a ghost.

Like and as can also be used before adverbs and prepositions. But again, although as is completely acceptable: As with the old model, the new model is fully automated, like is best avoided; it is not correct to say: Like with the old model, the new model is completely automated.

The white star is a symbol of hope and national purity. Green stands for agriculture. Yellow symbolizes mineral wealth. Effective date: 27 April 1960. >>