As if or like?

Question

Dear Users,I'm not quite sure whether as if and like would have the same meaning in this sentence, or not. Plus, I don't know it this sentence sounds good in general.This message is so chaotic and it lacks any grammar just as if/like somebody used a computer translator to translate it.Thanks for your time

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

'as if' would be much, much better in this sentence.
You may hear people use 'like', but it is a mark of very casual speech.

Here are a few alternatives for a better sentence.

This message is so chaotic and lacking in grammar that it is just as if somebody used a computer translator to translate it.
This message is so chaotic and lacking in grammar that it is just as if somebody used a computer translator on it.
This message is so chaotic and lacking in grammar that it is just as if it were translated by a computer.

CJ

Perfect Stranger · Answer

Thanks CJ! I'm just wondering... is it always necessary to use the past tense after as if?

CalifJim · Answer

Perfect Strangeris it always necessary to use the past tense after as if?

No. If you look through a lot of different texts, you will see that almost any tense can be used after 'as if'.

... as if he is crazy.
... as if she knew the answer.
... as if they had seen it before.
... as if we'll be worried about it.
... as if he has seen a ghost.
... as if she would burst into tears.
... as if they could predict what he would say.
... as if we had been working very hard on it.

Naturally, the tense in the main clause influences the choice of tense in the 'as if' clause.

CJ

Perfect Stranger · Answer

I see. Thanks. Much appreciated.

By the way... I've just noticed that you live in California... Lucky!

)

As if or like?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions