Like vs. As, Such As

We often allow for a more relaxed use of language in speech, whereas in writing, we aim for precision and proper form.

American English, much like a lively rooftop cocktail party at sunset, is a dynamic and evolving medium. As the evening progresses, the guests at the party become more relaxed and start to adopt each other’s mannerisms. Similarly, certain words in English, such as “like” and “such as,” tend to intermingle until they start to resemble each other in usage.

Like and Such As: Understanding the Differences

Two words that often get used interchangeably in daily communication are “like” and “such as.” Despite their frequent overlap, we typically favor “like” in many contexts. However, to write with precision and eloquence, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between these terms.

Like

“Like” is an extremely versatile word that can function as various parts of speech:

• Verb: I like taking walks by the river.
• Noun: Among rivers, I have never seen that one’s like before.
• Adjective: You and I are like individuals with like interests.
• Adverb: The walk took like twice as long as we’d predicted.
• Preposition: You walk like an athlete.
• Conjunction (informal): You walk like I do.
• Interjection (informal): Let’s, like, walk the whole trail.

As, Such As

“As” is another flexible word that can serve as an adverb, conjunction, or preposition:

• Adverb: I believe that trail is just as long.
• Conjunction (correctly formal): You walk as I do.
• Preposition: I still remember the first walk I took as a child.

We often see “as” in the phrase “such as,” which introduces examples or specifies kinds.

• Example Introduction: You will need some form of identification, such as a driver’s license.
• Specified Kind: In cases such as this one, it’s best to be cautious.

When to Use Like or As

In sentences where “like” and “as” serve as conjunctions or comparisons, they are often switched.

Use “like” to compare things that are similar:

• Correct: Those walking shoes you’re wearing are like mine.

• Incorrect: Those walking shoes you’re wearing are as mine.

Use “as” to join clauses:

• Correct: You tie your walking shoes as I do.

• Incorrect: You tie your walking shoes like I do.

In elliptical constructions, “like” is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts:

• Example: He is drawn to video games like steel to a magnet.

This translates as “similar to” without needing extra punctuation.

When to Use Like or Such As

“Such as” is idiomatic and closer in meaning to “like,” which can blur the line between their uses. Unlike “as,” “as if,” and “as though,” “such as” can only point to nouns and pronouns, not clauses with verbs.

• Example: Hans loves classic-rock bands, such as Led Zeppelin, the Who, and the Rolling Stones.
  “Such as” introduces specific examples.
• Comparison: Hans loves classic-rock bands like Led Zeppelin, the Who, and the Rolling Stones.
  This indicates a comparison, suggesting bands similar to the ones mentioned.

Punctuation with Such As

Whether to include a comma with “such as” depends on whether the information is restrictive or nonrestrictive.

• Restrictive (no commas): Lean meats such as venison and skinless chicken breast are low in fat and high in protein.
  The information is essential for the meaning.
• Nonrestrictive (with commas): Lean meats, such as venison and skinless chicken breast, are low in fat and high in protein.
  The information is additional and not essential to the overall meaning.