What is the difference between as vs like? When to use one

No. I mean the difference between as vs like.
When to use one over the other?

He took a decision like his father.
He took a decision as the chairman of the board.

Is there any rule of thumb?

Thanks Zynga.
That was spot on.

So to sum it up.

Like to compare two nouns.
As to compare two nouns with two actions.

Like cannot be used as example. We should instead use "such as".
Thanks for the clear and concise explanation.

Keep in mind when using 'as' that it needs to have a working verb (since its a clause):

Macauley swims well, as her brother DOES.
If you see the same sentence with 'like' see if you can find a verb after it. If you do, then its wrong.

Also another use of 'like' and 'as' appears in the form of idioms:

Like: is used to compare two things symbolically or metaphorically
eg. The stars in the night sky look like diamonds.

As: is used to compare things functionally:

The cement acted as a glue keeping the bricks together.
Here the cement is functioning like glue and the appropriate use is as.


So remember symbolic vs function : : like:as

In your example:
He took a decision as the chairman of the board.

He took a decision as the chairman of the board. (since there is no verb after 'as' this is an idiomatic construction)

If for instance we used like: He took a decision like the chairman of the board.
This would change the meaning of the sentence altogether.

The single easiest way I found to distinguish between the two of them is to understand if there is a verb the stem is referring to or not.

As can be used with a verb

Like can not.

This is the most basic idea you should get.
If I am not wrong, obviously.

Andy.

Here is another way to look at it:

Like = Similar

As = Same

Now no 2 people or things can ever be the same. But their behavior, or action can be. For example:

Like his brother Joe, David too is taking the GMAT this year.

David is putting in 2hours every day towards the prep just as his brother Joe did.

Caveat: You can compare 2 nouns using "as" if your intent is both of them are the same.

Bruce, as Batman, kept a vigil over Gotham. (Bruce stood vigil because he was Batman)

Brian, like Batman, kept a vigil over Gotham.(Brian stood vigil just as Batman would have)

Arun

Hi guys,

We just released a 5 page article the covers the usage of As Vs like, their functions, correct and incorrect usages and outlined a unified approach to avoid mistakes. In addition to this article, we recently added 4 audio visual concepts with 30 questions that cover the above. To view the article, click the url below. Register at e-GMAT and take the free trial to take the free concepts. - Rajat Sadana

as-vs-like-correct-and-incorrect-usages-133950.html#p1092922

PS: We also have an ongoing contest with the article.

Thank you, this is just what we needed!

Thank you so much,
This really helped....

Thanks you Arun for the explanation...

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