Introduction
Today we will look at some different uses of as and like.
As the prices of goods in Italy have continued to increase, I have decided to spend less. In the past, many consumers spent a lot, as wages rose, but that's no longer the case.
Grammar 1
Look at the use of as in these sentences. Do they have the same meaning? How do they differ?
("As the prices of goods in Italy have continued to increase, I have decided to spend less. In the past, many consumers spent a lot, as wages rose, but that's no longer the case.")
As is often used to express reason. It can be used to mean because, since, and while.
For example:
While visiting Mexico, I had no problems speaking to the locals, as I am fluent in Spanish.
as = because
("As" can also express time.)
(The attendant stamped her ticket as she entered the cinema.
As she entered the cinema, the attendant stamped her ticket).
as = while
Controlled Practice 1
Complete the following sentences. Decide if the use of as in the sentence best expresses time or reason.
As Italy's unemployment rises... (time)
We plan to go to Africa as... (reason)
She complained to the store manager as... (reason)
The car screeched to a halt as... (time/reason)
As my family is quite wealthy... (reason)
As I entered the restaurant... (time)
The rain started as we... (time)
Language in Use 1
Complete the following sentences.
As I like traveling...
As I have very little money...
As I get tired easily...
As I rarely have free time...
As I can’t speak Italian...
As I'm taking medication...
As my car is being repaired...
As I just won the lottery...
Grammar 2
Such as and the same as has a similar meaning to like.
("such as" and "the same as")
For example:
("I enjoy live entertainment such as plays and concerts." What does "such as" tell us in this sentence.) We use such as to show examples.
Controlled Practice 2
Complete the following sentences using such as.
international community/do more/help/Somalia/Chad
(The international community must do more to help countries such as Somalia and Chad.)
animals/grizzly bear/Siberian tiger/brink of extinction
vocational schools/offer/courses/tourism/computing
restaurant / Italian dishes / Carbonara / lasagne
compulsory / high school / mathematics / science / unpopular
European / French / German / grammatical rules
Grammar 3
We also use the same as to show comparison.
Example
"Arriving late for a meeting is the same as not coming at all."
Controlled Practice 3
Complete the sentences using the same as.
(To stay home and watch TV all weekend is the same as... because.../To give up easily is the same as... because.../ Eating in public is the same as... because...)
Grammar 4
(They were rude. "I hate people like that." "I hate people as that.") Which is correct?
The general rule is, as may be either a preposition or a conjunction. However, like functions as a preposition only.
(preposition >>> "like + noun/pronoun" >>> I adore people like Diego and Pat.)
We can also use:
("like + -ing" >>> I enjoy outdoor activities like jogging.)
Complete these sentences:
I hate household chores like...
I love water sports like...
John enjoys relaxing activities like...
What does as mean in this situation?
French fries are okay as a snack, but I wouldn't have them for dinner. <<< (Not like a snack).
When I lived in Italy, I worked as an English teacher. <<< (Not like an English teacher).
Controlled Practice 4
Fill in the blank using like or as.
Pauline has a beautiful voice. I wish I could sing _____ her.
The man finished his work early, _____ he wanted to go home.
I wish my children were more _____ yours.
The news of his death came _____ a shock to me.
I called the police _____ someone had broken into my house.
Do _____ you like, but you are responsible for your actions.
Tommy Frost is a great writer. Nobody writes _____ him.