Comments on: Like vs. As http://theeditorsblog.net/2010/07/26/like-vs-as/ Write well. Write often. Edit wisely. Fri, 18 May 2012 19:51:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Beth http://theeditorsblog.net/2010/07/26/like-vs-as/#comment-133 Beth Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:18:30 +0000 http://theeditorsblog.net/?p=278#comment-133 Vivian, as a comparison, <i>like</i> is used when similarities of two objects (nouns) are being pointed out. The comparison can be a shortcut to give the reader a quick impression of what the object is like. Comparisons can be made using <i>like</i> to jab at the reader's emotions as well---his unblinking eyes looked like a snake's, calculating and brutal. While <i>as</i> is also used for comparison---she's as happy as a clam---using <i>as</i> as I've used it here in contrast to <i>like</i> is a different situation. <i>As if</i> and <i>as though</i> are used, with a verb, to indicate doubt or improbability. She acted as if she were queen. (She probably wasn't a queen.) If we'd said, she acted like the Queen, we'd be saying something different. Vivian, as a comparison, like is used when similarities of two objects (nouns) are being pointed out. The comparison can be a shortcut to give the reader a quick impression of what the object is like. Comparisons can be made using like to jab at the reader’s emotions as well—his unblinking eyes looked like a snake’s, calculating and brutal.

While as is also used for comparison—she’s as happy as a clam—using as as I’ve used it here in contrast to like is a different situation. As if and as though are used, with a verb, to indicate doubt or improbability. She acted as if she were queen. (She probably wasn’t a queen.) If we’d said, she acted like the Queen, we’d be saying something different.

]]> By: Vivian A http://theeditorsblog.net/2010/07/26/like-vs-as/#comment-128 Vivian A Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:47:35 +0000 http://theeditorsblog.net/?p=278#comment-128 Now I need to check my "likes". Sheesh! I do agree with the dialogue differentiation, but the others seem fairly natural to me so there's hope for me yet. Like and as can both be used as similes or comparisons, could you expand on how this rule fits in with the above advice? Now I need to check my “likes”. Sheesh! I do agree with the dialogue differentiation, but the others seem fairly natural to me so there’s hope for me yet.

Like and as can both be used as similes or comparisons, could you expand on how this rule fits in with the above advice?

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