✅ TOEIC Trap Spotlight: As / Like

🎭 “She introduced me like her boss... but I’m not.”

How to Choose the Right One in Seconds

As and like are small, familiar words. In casual English, we mix them up all the time — but TOEIC won’t let you. One is for a real role or identity, the other is for similarity only. If you confuse them, you’ll lose an easy point.

1️⃣ The Core Difference

As → Real role, job, or function

  • She works as a project manager.

  • We use this tool as a backup during emergencies.

📌 Use when talking about someone’s actual title, job, or the real role of something.

Like → Similar, but not real

  • She spoke like a lawyer.

  • He runs like a professional athlete.

📌 Use when describing how something is similar to another thing, but not the real role or identity.

2️⃣ TOEIC-Style Practice

Q1. He works ___ a financial consultant in the Tokyo office.
(A) like
(B) as
(C) for
(D) in
✅ Answer: (B) as — Actual job title.

Q2. He explained the law ___ a professional lawyer.
(A) like
(B) as
(C) for
(D) such
✅ Answer: (A) like — Describes his style, not his real role.

Q3. She introduced me ___ her assistant, even though I’m a client.
(A) for
(B) with
(C) as
(D) like
✅ Answer: (C) as — Naming someone’s role (even if wrong in reality).

Q4. We use this tool ___ a backup during emergencies.
(A) like
(B) as
(C) for
(D) since
✅ Answer: (B) as — Real function of the tool.

3️⃣ Quick Check for the Test

  • As = It is the job, title, or role.

  • Like = It’s similar to something else, but not the real thing.

Example:

  • Works as a chef. → Real job.

  • Cooks like a chef. → Not a chef, but similar skill/style.

📌 Strategy / Takeaway

  1. Ask: Is this describing a real role or just a similarity?

  2. Real role → as.

  3. Similarity → like.

Golden Rule:

TOEIC won’t give you much time. Build the reflex:
Job/role = as → ✅
Style/similarity = like → ✅

Final Word

Mastering “as” vs “like” is about instinct, not memorizing rules. If you train yourself to hear the difference, you’ll grab quick points and avoid one of TOEIC’s simplest-looking traps.

For more strategies and resources to master TOEIC word choice traps, visit the English Library Collection and start locking in “as/like” confidence today.

FAQ — TOEIC Trap: As / Like Q: What is the difference between “as” and “like”? A: “As” means someone’s real job or role. “Like” means similar, but not real. Q: When do you use “as” in a sentence? A: Use “as” when talking about someone’s job, title, or role. Example: “He works as a teacher.” Q: When do you use “like” in English? A: Use “like” to compare things. Example: “She sings like a pro.” Q: Can I say “He works like a doctor”? A: Only if he is not really a doctor. If it’s his real job, say “as a doctor.” Q: Is “as” used for real jobs? A: Yes. “As” shows the real role or title of a person. Q: Is “like” used for similar things? A: Yes. “Like” means something is similar, but not exact. Q: What is wrong with “She works like a teacher”? A: It sounds like she is not really a teacher. Say “as a teacher” if it’s her job. Q: Can “as” and “like” be used in the same way? A: No. They have different meanings. TOEIC tests this. Q: Which is correct: “as a guide” or “like a guide”? A: If the person is a real guide, use “as a guide.” Q: What does TOEIC test with “as” and “like”? A: TOEIC checks if you know the correct meaning and grammar of both. Q: Is “as” formal English? A: It’s not about formality. It shows real role or function. Q: Can I say “He talks like a teacher”? A: Yes, if he is not a teacher but speaks like one. Q: Is it okay to say “I work like a manager”? A: Only if you are not a real manager. Use “as” if that’s your job. Q: How can I remember when to use “as”? A: Ask: Is this the person’s real job? If yes, use “as.” Q: What’s the trick for TOEIC “as/like” questions? A: Check the meaning: role = as / comparison = like. Q: Should I use “as” or “like” for tools? A: Use “as” if the tool is used in a role. Example: “as a backup.” Q: What’s wrong with “He introduced me like a client”? A: If you are a client, it should be “as a client.” Q: Can I say “He eats like a king”? A: Yes. “Like” is good for comparison or style. Q: Why is “as” the right word for jobs? A: Because it shows someone’s real position or function. Q: Does TOEIC test “as” and “like” often? A: Yes. These are common grammar traps in Part 5 and 6.