Comparison of ‘As’ and ‘Like’, Usage of ‘Look’, ‘Seem’, and ‘Appear’
As and Like
Both words have similar meanings, but with some differences:
As: To indicate someone or something’s function or role.
She works as a nurse.
As far as I know, she will take the Spanish course.
Like: To show resemblance or provide examples.
My friend looks like a famous film star, Mel Gibson.
This summer I took courses like chess, karate, swimming.
Look, Seem, Appear
These words are used to describe appearance or perception.
Look: To appear in a certain way.
He looks very tired.
Seem: To give the impression of being.
He seems really intelligent.
Appear: To become visible or noticeable.
I appeared really tired.
They can also be used with the “as if” structure to indicate a resemblance or assumption.
He looks as if he has understood.
It seems as if the engine needs maintaining.
Look at the phrases in bold below:
- Sharen has two jobs: She is a swimming teacher and a class teacher in a state school. As a teacher, she is very tactful, but as a swimming teacher, she is so strict.
- John is a shop owner. He wanted to be a teacher before, but he couldn’t. Now he behaves towards his workers like a teacher.
In the examples above, ‘as a teacher’ indicates her role, while ‘like a teacher’ shows his behavior.
She has a part-time job as a waitress in a restaurant on the weekend.