✅ TOEIC Trap Spotlight: As / Like

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

At the end of a company tour, Jun was chatting with the visiting director from New York. When the meeting wrapped up, his manager turned to the guest and said:

“This is Jun. He’s been guiding you like our international liaison.”

Jun smiled… but inside, something stung.
“Like? I am the international liaison…” he thought.

He didn’t correct her — but TOEIC will.

This tiny difference between as and like trips up thousands of test-takers every year. Why? Because in natural conversation, we often blur the line. But TOEIC doesn’t blur. It wants you to think fast and precise.

Let’s fix that instinct right now.

🧠 Why This Trap Exists

TOEIC tests the function vs similarity distinction.

  • When you use as, you’re talking about a real role or job.

  • When you use like, you’re talking about something that is similar — but not real.

This comes up constantly in Part 5 sentence completions, and even more subtly in Part 6 paragraph logic, where tone and accuracy matter.

💡 Coaching Breakdown

🔹 Use as when someone actually has a role or identity:

🗣 “She works as a project manager.”
🧠 This means: That is her real title or function.

❗ Grammar tip: Followed by a job, title, or capacity.

🔹 Use like when someone is similar to something — but not exactly that:

🗣 “She spoke like a lawyer.”
🧠 This means: She isn’t a lawyer, but she sounded like one.

❗ Grammar tip: Followed by a noun or comparison — not a real role.

🔥 TOEIC-Style Practice Questions

❓1. He works ___ a financial consultant in the Tokyo office.

(A) like
(B) as
(C) for
(D) in

✅ Correct Answer: B

“As” is correct because this is his actual role.

❓2. He explained the law ___ a professional lawyer.

(A) like
(B) as
(C) for
(D) such

✅ Correct Answer: A

“Like” is used here because we’re comparing his tone or manner — not saying he is a lawyer.

❓3. She introduced me ___ her assistant, even though I’m a client.

(A) for
(B) with
(C) as
(D) like

✅ Correct Answer: C

“As” is used when naming someone’s role (even if incorrectly!). The mistake is hers, but grammatically “as” is correct.

❓4. We use this tool ___ a backup during emergencies.

(A) like
(B) as
(C) for
(D) since

✅ Correct Answer: B

“As” is correct because the tool is being used in the role of a backup.

🔁 Recap & Shortcuts

  • 🧠 As = real identity or role

    “He works as a chef.” (= It’s his job.)

  • 🧠 Like = similar, but not real

    “He cooks like a chef.” (= Not a chef, but good at cooking.)

Quick Check:
If the sentence is about someone’s job, title, or capacity → use as.
If it’s describing similarity or style → use like.

🏁 Final Tip

TOEIC doesn’t give you time to think deeply about this.
So don’t memorize — build instinct.

  • Practice speed drills: “Works __ a nurse” → 🧠 as

  • Listen for tone: “She talks __ a manager” → 🧠 like (is she one?)

The more you say it aloud, the more you’ll spot the trap instantly.

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.