Try an exercise about ‘as’ and ‘like’ here.
As
1: ‘As’ can mean ‘because’.
- As it was raining, we stayed at home.
2: ‘As’ can mean ‘while’ or ‘at the same time’:
- As I was walking down the street, I saw Julie.
3: We can use ‘as’ to talk about the way one thing is similar to another thing. In this case too, ‘as’ is a conjunction and needs to be followed by a subject and a verb or by a prepositional phrase. Sometimes we invert the subject and the verb in a formal style.
- John loves spicy food, as I do (or ‘as do I’, more formally).
4: We need to use ‘as’ with expressions like ‘as much as’ and by ‘as adjective as’. This is also talking about similarity. These expressions can be followed by a subject and a verb or a noun or preposition.
- John loves spicy food as much as I do.
- Lucy travels as much as me.
- She’s as clever as her sister is.
- London’s not as big as Mexico City.
5: ‘As’ can be used with a noun to show someone’s position. This is especially common with jobs. In a similar way, ‘as’ can also be used to show something’s function (what we are using it for). It must be followed by a noun.
- She works as a teacher.
- Don’t use the knife as a screwdriver.
Watch out! You can’t use ‘like’ for someone’s real job. You need to use ‘as’.
- I work like a waitress.
Like
1: ‘Like’ can be used to give examples. It means the same as ‘for example’ and is usually followed by nouns or pronouns.
- I love big cats, like lions.
- Western European countries like France and Spain have high unemployment at the moment.
2: We can also use ‘like’ to talk about how one thing is similar to another thing. Here ‘like’ is a preposition and is followed by a noun or a pronoun.
- John loves spicy food, like me.
- Tokyo is a busy and exciting city, like London.
When we’re talking about how things are similar, we often use ‘like’ with verbs such as ‘look’, ‘sound’ and ‘smell’.
- She looks like her mother.
- It looks like rain.
- That sounds like a car.
- The kitchen smells like lemons.
Traditionally, ‘like’ needed to be followed by a noun. However, in modern English, we often use ‘like’ as a conjunction and so it is followed by a subject and a verb. Some people think this is not correct, but it’s very common.
- John loves spicy food, like I do.
‘Like’ vs ‘as’ for similarity
Often, we can use both ‘as’ and ‘like’ to talk about similarity.
- I love coffee, like Julie / I love coffee, like Julie does.
- I love coffee, as Julie does.
We need to follow ‘as’ with a clause (a subject and a verb). When we use ‘as’ for similarity, it’s not followed by a noun or pronoun.
- I love coffee, as Julie.
However, when we use ‘as’ to mean a role or job (it’s followed by a noun in this case), then we can’t use ‘like’. Instead, ‘like’ is talking about similarity.
- As your mother, I’m telling you not to go out now. (I am your mother and I am telling you this in my role as your mother.)
- Like your mother, I’m telling you not to go out now. (I’m not your mother, but I am telling you the same thing as she is. I am acting in a similar way to your mother.)
Here’s another example.
- She works as the manager (= she is the manager).
- She works like the manager (= she isn’t the manager, but she works in a similar way to the manager).
Try an exercise about ‘as’ and ‘like’ here.
Do you ever wonder when to properly use “as” and when to use “like?” They sound similar, but they have different meanings. And often, they get lost in translation when moving from speech to formal writing. I’ve seen it happen so many times, especially with new writers. In my guide, I’ll discuss the difference between these two words and give some examples so you can learn to use them properly.
As vs. Like
In English grammar and more formal writing, the word “like” is almost often employed as a preposition to explain how, where, or when the action described by the noun in the phrase is taking place. The basic grammar rule is that the word “as” is a conjunction that joins two clauses together.
When to Use As
The best way to remember the proper usage in sentences for “as” is to think about whether or not you’re trying to join two clauses in the English language.
Examples:
- You’re as pretty as I remember.
- You don’t have to cook much food as I won’t be joining you for dinner.
When to Use Like
“Like” is used to compare two things, but is usually followed by a noun or a pronoun.
Examples with a direct comparison:
- These lights are bright, like the sun.
- I want to go on a safari, but I’m scared of animals like lions and tigers.
- This new ice cream is like the old one but sweeter.
When to Use Like Instead of As
We often use “like” to compare two things or two people.
For example:
- You look just like my sister.
- This new bar is like the one on 5th Avenue.
In this situation, it would be wrong to use “as.” The sentences would sound something like this:
- You look just as my sister.
- This new bar is as the one on 5th Avenue.
The last two sentences are very clearly incorrect.
When to Use As Instead of Like
We use “as” in sentences where it could be replaced with “the way.”
For example:
- You treated him as you should.
- You treated him the way you should.
Like and As a Metaphor
The words “like” and “as” are common figures of speech used to describe similarities between two different things. These seemingly innocuous words can have a powerful impact, lending depth and nuance to our writing.
For example, when taken literally, the phrase “as fast as lightning” suggests lightning moves at a certain speed. But by using these words as metaphors, we can get at a more abstract idea – that lightning moves quickly and without warning.
Similarly, comparing an angry person to a raging storm adds emotional intensity to our writing and conveys the sense that their anger is uncontrolled and chaotic.
Thus, we can see that “like” and “as” are much more than simple connectors; they are valuable tools for evoking vivid imagery in our writing and giving it greater emotional power. In short, these small words have immense expressive potential, making them an invaluable part of any writer’s toolbox.
Should I Use Like or As If?
You want to use “like” before a noun or a pronoun. “As” or “as if” are usually followed by a subject and a verb.
Let’s look at some examples:
- I love the new Givenchy perfume. It smells like cotton candy.
- She keeps repeating the same things as if I don’t know them already.
What Does Not Use Like or As?
Avoid using “like” or “as” when talking or writing in metaphors.
A metaphor is a literary device often used to express ideas or experiences in vivid and memorable ways. Specifically, it describes one thing by referring to another similar thing, using language suggesting the two things are connected in some way.
For example, if you wanted to say that someone was “strong as an ox,” you would use a metaphor to describe their physical strength by drawing an analogy with the legendary strength of this animal.
Metaphors can be used greatly in poetry and other forms of literature, allowing writers to create vivid imagery and use colorful language to engage readers and better convey their message.
Here are some metaphors that don’t use the words “like” or “as”:
- You have the memory of an elephant.
- I’m an early bird.
In the first example, we want to say someone has a really good memory, but we don’t use a simile and say, “you have good memory like an elephant.”
A metaphor is a word or statement saying one thing IS like another thing.
Can We Use As and Like Together?
There are always exceptions when breaking grammar rules, but you can’t use “like” and “as” together. But one can replace the other to convey the same thought if you change the structure of a sentence.
Let’s exemplify:
- You smell as good as a rose does.
- You smell good, like a rose.
Notice how these sentences express the same thought, but we had to change their structure depending on whether we used “like” or “as.”
Like vs. As – Simple Rules to Know
While seemingly similar, “as” and “like” have two different meanings.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind:
- Use like when comparing two people or things.
- Use like when comparing behavior or appearance.
- Use as in formal speech and writing.
Other Uses of the Word As
There are other instances where the word “as” can fit into speech and writing.
As a Connecting Word
“As” can be used to connect two ideas or sentences. For instance:
- Everything happened as you said it would.
- Leave the table as it is. I’ll clean it up later.
When Talking About a Job or Function
“As” is also employed when discussing a job or a function. For example:
- As president, his main focus was to create more jobs and decrease unemployment.
- As CEO, you are responsible for ensuring people are happy with their jobs.
When Paired with an Adjective
You can also use “as” paired with an adjective. Here are some examples:
- You are as beautiful as I imagined.
- As entertaining as this is, I have to get going.
Other Uses of the Word Like
The word “like” also has more than one use, so let’s look at other situations where you might encounter it.
When Giving Examples
A common use for the word “like” is when giving examples. Here is how to use it:
- Chamomile tea can be bitter, but you can sweeten it with something like sugar or honey.
- Why can’t you be more like your sister?
As a Preposition
When using “like” as a preposition, it’s usually followed by a noun. For example:
- I am nothing like my sister.
- You smell like roses.
As a Verb
Perhaps the most common use for the word “like” is in its verb form. For instance:
- Would they like to join us for dinner?
- I like strawberries best out of all fruits.
The Bottom Line
Once you consistently look at examples, knowing when to use “as” and “like” becomes pretty natural. “As” is commonly employed when joining two clauses, while “like” is used as a preposition with a noun or a pronoun. Now, practice what I taught you with my handy worksheet!
ENGLISH GRAMMAR IN USE FOR INTERMEDIATE
UNIT 117. Like and as
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A |
In these sentences, like is
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B |
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C |
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D |
As can also be a preposition, Compare:
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EXERCISES
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117.1 |
In some of these sentences, you need like (not as). Correct the sentences where necessary.
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117.2 |
Complete the sentences using like or as+ the following:
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117.3 |
Put in like or as.
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ANSWER KEY
In English, the words like and as, are commonly interchanged and used synonymously. However, they are not similar in their meanings, as we use the word ‘like‘ to mean something we enjoy or prefer to do, or for someone you admire. On the other hand, the word ‘as‘ is used to refer to the occupation or character of a person.
Apart from these meaning, like and as can also refer to ‘in the same way’ which often confuses people with respect to their usage in sentences. Let’s look at the example to understand their difference:
- Like your father, he wants you to succeed in your life.
- As your father, he wants you to succeed in your life.
You might have noticed that, in the very first sentence, we’ve used ‘like’, which means that the person we’re talking about is not the father, but holds a similar position. In the next sentence, we’ve used ‘as’ which means the person is the father of the subject.
Content: Like Vs As
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Examples
- How to remember the difference
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Like | As |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The word ‘like’ is used to mean ‘similar to’ or ‘the same as’. It can also be used to give some examples. | The word ‘as’ is used in sentences to highlight the job, appearance or function. It can also be used to mean ‘in the same way.’ |
| Parts of Speech | Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition and Conjunction | Adverb, Preposition and Conjunction |
| When followed by noun | It refers to ‘similar to or the same way as’. | It refers to ‘in the role of’. |
| Comparison | Like is followed by a noun phrase. | As is followed by a clause. |
| Examples | Nick dances like Michael Jackson. | As I told you, I would be moving to Delhi, this week. |
| Talking to you is like talking to a 3 year old baby. | She has been working as a cinematographer. | |
| I wish I could have a house like yours. | He is late for the class, as always. |
Definition of Like
The word like is used in the sentences for someone or something that we enjoy, admire or feel positive about. It also indicates similarity, i.e. when someone or something resembles another, we use the word like in the sentence. Either it is used as a preposition, and followed by a noun/pronoun, or it is used as a conjunction, where a clause comes after it. Now let’s discuss the uses of like:
- To admire something:
- Sophia likes dancing.
- Do you like being arrogant?
- To show same features, qualities or traits:
- He is like a brother to me.
- Paul has a dog like Jane.
- If like is followed by a noun, it implies ‘the same way as‘:
- You look like your mother.
- Monica is behaving like a celebrity.
- To draw attention towards the kind of an action done:
- How could you talk to me like that?
- As an adverb, it can be used to modify sentences:
- Just like her mother, Jimmy also wants to serve the nation.
- It can also mean for example:
- There are many beautiful places in Delhi like Lotus Temple, Red Fort, Nehru Planetarium, India Gate, etc.
Definition of As
Basically, ‘as’ is used to make a comparison, to indicate the extent or degree of an object or an individual. It may also refer to an individual’s function, job or qualities. Moreover, ‘as’ can also be used in the context of ‘in the same way that’. Now, let’s have a look at the given points to understand, how we can use it in our sentences:
- To refer to ‘in the same manner‘:
- You can use the new software as instructed in the manual.
- The event took place, as I planned.
- To indicate a person’s occupation, character, position or role:
- As a teacher, I always love to teach new things, my students.
- It is your duty as an Auditor, to give a true and fair view, on the accounts.
- To make a comparison between two entities:
- I am not as tall as Jane.
- Football is not as famous as cricket in India.
- We use as when two things take place simultaneously:
- I looked at her, as she was going outside.
- As I grew older, I realized what is good for me or not.
- As I was going, the guests came.
- To give reasons:
- As I was in a hurry, I didn’t notice the signboard on the road.
- As she was hungry, she ate everything; her mother made for her.
The difference between like and as is presented in the points given below:
- ‘Like’ is a term that we can use to denote some similarity in quality or characteristic or the way something is done. It can also be used to give examples or to indicate that we admire something. Conversely, ‘As’ is used to refer to ‘in the same manner’. It also describes the function, character, or job of a person. It also reflects comparison in the way something takes place.
- ‘Like’, can be used as a Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition and Conjunction. However, ‘as’ can be used as a preposition, conjunction and adverb.
- If the word ‘like’ is followed by a noun, it reflects something similar to or the same way as. On the other hand, as is succeeded by a noun, it means ‘in the role of’.
- While making comparisons, ‘like’ is followed by a noun phrase. In contrast, ‘as’ precedes the clause in the case of comparison between two entities.
- Examples:
- Complete the project as I suggested and not like you have decided.
- Veronica is as beautiful as Meera, but not like Divya.
Examples
Like
- I don’t like wasting money unnecessarily.
- He is like blaming me for the incident.
- Why are you acting like a kid, when you are not?
As
- Steve worked as a programmer, at the initial phase of his career.
- As always, Peter scored 90% on his exams.
- Could you please do it, as I directed you.
How to remember the difference
There are many differences between the two terms, specifically in their real meanings. Like means when we admire someone or something, whereas as reflects ‘in the role of’.
- As can be used in the following ways:
- as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): As I was leaving, the phone rang.
- as a preposition (followed by a noun): He works as a waiter.
- as an adverb (followed by an adjective, an adverb, or a word such as ‘much’ or ‘many’): Nylon is cheaper than leather, and it’s just as strong.
Contents
- 1 How do you use as in a sentence?
- 2 Where do we use as?
- 3 How do you use the phrase as to?
- 4 How do you use as or like?
- 5 Can a sentence start with as?
- 6 What is the meaning of As in?
- 7 What word class is as?
- 8 What is like as?
- 9 What type of adverb is as?
- 10 Is it as to or as for?
- 11 How do you use as why?
- 12 Is as grammatically correct?
- 13 Can we use as like together?
- 14 Is as the same as like?
- 15 Can as be a conjunction?
- 16 What word can I use instead of as?
- 17 Do we put comma after as?
- 18 Can Since be used as Because?
- 19 What’s another word for AS in?
- 20 What does as mean in a sentence?
How do you use as in a sentence?
As sentence example
- She’s as perfect as she can be.
- Her face warmed as she thought of it.
- As she left the kitchen, his voice followed her.
- The fire snapped as it grew.
- For a few minutes they held on to each other, kissing as if they hadn’t seen each other in a week.
- He was very tall– as tall as a man.
Where do we use as?
We use as to introduce two events happening at the same time. After as with this meaning, we usually use a simple (rather than continuous) form of the verb: As the show increases in popularity, more and more tickets are sold daily.
How do you use the phrase as to?
“As To” Usage
“As to” means “with regard to” or “about.” For example, “As to your question, he will finish his homework tomorrow.” The phrase indicates the relationship between the question that was asked and the response about doing homework tomorrow.
How do you use as or like?
The confusion in using like or as is caused by a lack of understanding of the words’ roles. In formal writing, like is used as a preposition, telling where, when or how the noun in the sentence is doing whatever it may be doing. As is used as a conjunction, joining two clauses.
Can a sentence start with as?
As is an adverbial conjunction and can certainly be used at the beginning of a sentence.
What is the meaning of As in?
‘as in’ is a prefix phrase followed by an example to a statement made in the beginning. “Avoid answering directly, try to evade” is the advice/suggestion. “as in” means “like in this that follows“. ”The mayor was very clever at fencing with the press about his future plans. “
What word class is as?
A conjunction (also called a connective) is a word such as and, because, but, for, if, or, and when. Conjunctions are used to connect phrases, clauses, and sentences. The two main kinds are known as coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.
What is like as?
Definition of like as
chiefly dialectal. : in the way or manner that : as like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them — Psalms 103:13 (Authorized Version) an eddy there … like as you’d expect— C. S. Forester —now usually used with if it was … like as if the films suddenly come real— Richard
What type of adverb is as?
As is a conjunction and an adverb and is used before a clause, another adverb or a clause beginning with a preposition: She enjoys all kinds of music, as I do.
Is it as to or as for?
“As for” is generally used when you are talking about one subject, but now you want to focus on someone/something else. For example: “I left the party at 9pm. As for Claire, I don’t know what time she left.”
How do you use as why?
When used in “as to why, how whether” etc., it is often better to drop “as to” and simply use why, how, whether. For example, I don’t understand as to why you are going there. I don’t know as to how to drive a bike.
Is as grammatically correct?
First, we can probably agree that as to is fine when introducing a new subject, or returning to a subject that was mentioned only briefly before: As to the lab’s upcoming experiment, we’ll just have to wait and see. As to the cost of living on the island, that’s something worth investigating.
Can we use as like together?
Often, we can use both ‘as’ and ‘like’ to talk about similarity. I love coffee, like Julie / I love coffee, like Julie does.
Is as the same as like?
The prepositions as and like have different meanings. As + noun means ‘in the role of’, like + noun means ‘similar to‘ or ‘in the same way as’.
Can as be a conjunction?
Common subordinating conjunctions are because, since, as, although, though, while, and whereas. Sometimes an adverb, such as until, after, or before can function as a conjunction. I can stay out until the clock strikes twelve.
What word can I use instead of as?
synonyms for as
- at the time that.
- during the time that.
- in the act of.
- in the process of.
- just as.
- on the point of.
Do we put comma after as?
Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while.However, don’t put a comma after the main clause when a dependent (subordinate) clause follows it (except for cases of extreme contrast).
Can Since be used as Because?
‘Since’ can be used in two different ways in a sentence, i.e. it either talks about ‘time’, or it gives the ‘reason for something‘. On the contrary, ‘Because’ refers to ‘by cause of’. Further, both in written and spoken English, because is more common than since when it comes to giving a reason.
What’s another word for AS in?
What is another word for as in?
| for example | such as |
|---|---|
| like | e.g. |
| including | for instance |
| in particular | among others |
| amongst others | and more |
What does as mean in a sentence?
(Entry 1 of 9) 1 : to the same degree or amount as soft as silk twice as long. 2 : for instance : such as various trees, as oak or pine. 3 : when considered in a specified form or relation —usually used before a preposition or a participle my opinion as distinguished from his.
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“Such as” introduces an example, “like” an example or a similarity, and “as” an example, similarity or role
THE CONFUSING NATURE OF “As”, “Like” AND “Such As”
Some uses of as, like and such as are very similar. In some languages, indeed, all three are sometimes translated by the same word. Explanations of the difference between as and like are easily found in mainstream grammar books, but mentions at the same time of such as are rare. My hope here is to offer a clear explanation of the more confusing aspects of the overlapping uses of these three expressions.
Other uses of as are considered elsewhere in this blog in 92. Verbs with an Object + “as”, 104. Naming Data Sources with “As”, 183. Statements between Commas and 225. Simultaneous Occurrence (#2).
Part of the problem with investigating how the three expressions differ is that grammar is involved as much as meaning. There are both preposition uses to consider and conjunction ones.
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PREPOSITION USES 1 (Adjectival)
Prepositions need a partner noun, often called their “object”, which usually goes just after them (see 84. Seven Things to Know about Prepositions). The two together – known commonly as a preposition phrase – act sometimes like an adjective and sometimes like an adverb. In the first case they say something about a noun placed either just in front of them or earlier and separated by a link verb like BE; in the second case they say something about a verb or the sentence as a whole. Many preposition phrases have both uses, but some have only one (see 164. Fixed Preposition Phrases).
Preposition phrases starting with as, such as or like can easily act like adjectives, but they normally need to come immediately after the noun they describe. In the following examples, this noun is prisons.
(a) Prisons as rehabilitation centres are a failure.
(b) Prisons, such as/like Alcatraz, can be distressing to visit.
(c) Prisons such as/like Alcatraz can be distressing to visit.
(d) Prisons, like hospitals, can be distressing to visit.
(e) Prisons like hospitals can be distressing to visit.
The meanings of as, such as and like used like this are as follows:
As means “in the role of” or “in the form of” or even “with the purpose of”. It suggests that the noun after it is naming a special use of the noun before.
Such as introduces one or more examples, like for example (see 1. Simple Example-Giving and 54. Sentence Lists 1: Incidental). It normally indicates that the noun(s) after it – Alcatraz above – represent some of a larger group shown by the noun before – prisons above (though see 228. Exotic Grammar Structures 5, #1). It cannot be used before a list of all the group’s members (see 309. Tricky Grammar Contrasts 5, #1). Because the preceding noun represents a group, it must normally be either plural or a generalizing singular, e.g. a prison.
Such as phrases may go inside two commas, as in (b), or not, as in (c). The difference is similar to that made by using or not using commas with who, which or that (see 34. Relative Pronouns and Commas and 77. Apposition). In other words, sentence (b) is about all prisons, while (c) narrows the meaning of prisons, making it refer to only some (the Alcatraz kind).
Like can be used in much the same way as such as to introduce an example. However, it is probably more used like this in spoken than written English.
Like can also be used both with and without commas to show a similarity, as in (d) and (e). The use with commas actually creates adverbial phrases, I think, rather than adjectival ones, because they do not have to follow a noun – they can be right at the start of the sentence with a comma after them. For more about this use, see 56. Comparing with “Like” and Unlike” and 149. Saying How Things are Similar.
On the other hand, like phrases without commas, as in (e), are adjectival. They narrow the meaning of the general noun before them, just as in the exemplifying use. Note that similarity-showing like cannot be used after the same (see 87. “Same As” versus “Same That”).
You can tell whether an adjectival like phrase is giving an example or a similarity by comparing the noun after it with the noun before. If the noun after like means something that is part of what the noun before it means (in the way that Alcatraz means part of the idea of prisons), then an example is being given; whereas if the noun after like does not mean part of what the preceding noun means (in the way that hospitals is not part of what prisons means), then a similarity is being indicated.
A further way to check whether like is making a comparison is to see is it can follow one of a select group of “degree” adverbs: a little, exactly, just, mostly, much, quite, rather, roughly, slightly or very (see 262. Adverbs that Describe a Preposition).
Note that a noun before the comparing use of like does not have to have plural or general meaning. Here is a non-general one:
(f) The new virus produced an illness like influenza.
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PREPOSITION USES 2 (Adverbial)
In the examples above, the prepositional as, such as and like all have a noun immediately before them which they and their own noun describe in an adjective-like manner. The other use of preposition phrases – not describing a preceding noun, and hence adverb-like rather than adjective-like – is also possible with as and like, but not with such as. Consider these:
(g) The circus recruits perform as clowns.
(h) The circus recruits perform like clowns.
Here the word before each preposition (perform) is a verb. The prepositions and their partner nouns are acting like adverbs because they are saying how the action of this verb happens. However, their meanings are still more or less unchanged: as means “in the role of” while like means “similarly to”. Thus as says the recruits were clowns, while like says they were not, but just resembled them (see 149. Saying How Things are Similar). The resemblance is probably not strong: a stronger one could be expressed with …as if they were clowns (see 191. Exotic Grammar Structures 3, #3).
This adverb-like use of prepositional as phrases is easily confused with the complement use in sentences such as the following:
(i) Grammar can be described as a challenge.
In both cases, the noun after as stands for the same person or idea as the sentence subject − clowns = recruits in (g); a challenge = grammar in (i). The difference is perhaps that in the complement use as does not mean “in the role of” or “in the form of” (see 220. Features of Complements, #4).
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CONJUNCTION USES
1. Comparison
As and like (but not such as) can also be conjunctions, in other words used with a verb in addition to a noun after them (see 174. Eight Things to Know about Conjunctions, #1). In this role, they can both introduce a comparison like this:
(j) Adjectives can follow BE as/like nouns can.
Like here is rather informal but not very different in meaning from the preposition uses above. As, however, is not the same as above, since it now means the same as like, and hence indicates that the nouns before and after refer to two similar things, not one thing with two names.
The verb after as/like in (j) is can, a stand-alone auxiliary understood as an abbreviated repetition of the main verb can follow (see 237. Auxiliary Verbs in Professional Communication, #1). Such auxiliaries are the normal requirement after this use of as/like. The as/like part as a whole in (j) says how the action of the main verb is carried out. The sentence means, as a result, that the way adjectives can follow BE is the same as the way nouns can.
It is also possible to write (j) with a comma before as/like. That would link the words after it with all of the words before rather than just the verb. The sentence would then not be saying anything about the way adjectives can follow BE, but would simply be asserting their ability to do so and their similarity to nouns in this respect. Another possibility after a comma is to reverse the order of the noun and verb following as – …as can nouns above (see 159. Exotic Grammar Structures 2, #1).
The fact that the conjunction as can mean practically the same thing as the preposition like allows us to paraphrase one as the other. Sentence (h) above, for example, can be paraphrased with as like this:
(k) The circus recruits perform as clowns do.
This compares circus recruits with clowns, just as (h) does. The important thing to remember here is that without the do there is no comparison, only the meaning of “in the role of”.
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2. A Special Exemplifying Use Of “As”
Having indicated that as cannot generally be used for giving an example, I have to mention one important exception. This is in sentences like (l):
(l) The letter “u” is sometimes pronounced like “e”, as in “bury”
The key requirement for this use is a preposition (commonly in) just before the example. There could also be a verb (e.g. it is) before the preposition, reflecting the fact that as is a conjunction, but that is often left “understood” as in (l) (see 36. Words Left Out to Avoid Repetition). The exact example in (l) is the letter “u” in “bury” and the name of the general class to which it belongs is the letter “u” … pronounced like the letter “e”.