A big problem in academic writing is the incorrect use of the words like as a conjunction. The following discussion explains the problem.

Like is a preposition used to show similar characteristics or relationships. It is not a subordinating conjunction, so it can't be used to introcue a dependent clause.

Ex. We lived like kings for a time.

In addition to our website, we recommend the following site: The Common Errors in English Page at http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~brians/errors/errors.html.  This site contains an alphabetical list of common errors found in the English language.

Test your understanding of the correct use like and as sight by answering the following sentences.

1. It is not (like, as, as if) him to steal something from his father’s store.

2. She ran (like, as, as if) she were being chased by a lion.

3. To move (like, as, as if) she does requires a great deal of skill.

Answers

1. It is not like him to steal something from his father’s store.

2. She ran as if she were being chased by a lion.

3. To move as she does requires a great deal of skill.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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