When should I use AS IF instead of LIKE?
Can you please explain to me when in comparisons I should use AS IF instead of LIKE ?
I had a lesson today about this subject but my teacher went through this topic like a hurricane and he left me confused .
Thank you in advance for the explanation.
Top answer
If a noun (or noun phrase) follows, use "like": You are just like my mother. It feels like Christmas. If a clause follows, it is proper to use "as if": I feel as if I know you.
- If a noun (or noun phrase) follows, use "like": You are just like my mother.
- It feels like Christmas.
- If a clause follows, it is proper to use "as if": I feel as if I know you.
- The whole building shook, as if it had been hit by an earthquake.
- However, in everyday language, people commonly use "like" even in the second case: I feel like I know you.
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If a noun (or noun phrase) follows, use "like":
You are just like my mother.
It feels like Christmas.
If a clause follows, it is proper to use "as if":
I feel as if I know you.
The whole building shook, as if it had been hit by an earthquake.
However, in everyday language, people commonly use "like" even in the second case:
I
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