Lesson

As if/as though/like

Manner and comparison

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

As if / As though / Like

As if, as though, and like are used to compare or describe similarity. They can introduce clauses or phrases that show how something appears or is imagined. 'As if' and 'as though' are more formal and typically introduce clauses. 'Like' is more informal and is often followed by a noun or a short phrase.

  • 'As if' / 'As though' + clause: can express real comparison or hypothetical (unreal) situations.
  • Use past tense after 'as if' to show an unreal present; use past perfect for unreal past.
  • 'Like' is informal and commonly followed by a noun (e.g., like a manager) or an informal clause (e.g., like he was tired).

Table

Structures and Uses

Structure Meaning / Use Example
as if / as though + past (simple) Unreal or hypothetical present — compares to something not true now He behaves as if he knew all the answers.
as if / as though + past perfect Unreal past — compares to a situation that did not happen She acted as though she had received the promotion.
as if / as though + clause (real) Real comparison — similar to reality It looks as though it will rain.
like + noun Informal similarity — followed by noun He walked into the room like a manager.
like + clause (informal) Informal comparison introducing a clause (common in speech) She whispered like she was telling a secret.

Tip

Key Rule: Tense after 'as if' / 'as though'

Choose the tense according to reality vs. unreality:

  • Unreal present → use past simple after 'as if' (He acts as if he knew the rules).
  • Unreal past → use past perfect after 'as if' (They reacted as if they had lost the contract).
  • For real or likely situations, use present or future (It looks as if it will rain).
  • 'Like' often replaces 'as if' in informal speech, especially before nouns (She talks like a professional).

When you describe something imaginary now, use past. For imaginary past events, use past perfect.

Example

Examples in context

He speaks as if he owned the company.

The team worked as though there were no time constraints.

She left the meeting like a manager.

They reacted as if they had been surprised by the news.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors with these expressions. Watch for:

  • Using present simple after 'as if' for unreal present (He acts as if he knows → prefer 'knew' for unreal).
  • Confusing 'like' + noun and 'as if' + clause (mixing structures: 'like she was' vs 'like her').
  • Using an infinitive after 'as if' (incorrect: He behaves as if to know).
  • Incorrect tense sequence: mixing present/past perfect wrongly in the same comparison.

Check whether the situation is real or hypothetical before choosing the verb tense and structure.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence for an unreal present situation:

Hint: Think about using past tense for unreal present situations.

Quiz

Complete: She smiled _____ she owned the company.

Hint: Focus on the comparative phrase that introduces a hypothetical or imagined situation.

Quiz

Choose the sentence that correctly uses 'like' informally with a noun:

Hint: Think about whether the phrase is followed by a noun or a clause.

Key Points

Expression

as if

conjunction / expression CEFR B1 //æz ɪf//

used to introduce a comparison or hypothetical situation

He behaves as if he owned the place.

Expression

as though

conjunction / expression CEFR B2 //æz ðoʊ//

formal equivalent of 'as if', used to introduce comparisons or imagined situations

She looked as though she had seen a ghost.

Vocabulary

like

preposition / conjunction CEFR A2 //laɪk//

used for informal comparisons; often followed by a noun

He entered the meeting like a professional.

GrammarPoint

unreal condition

grammar_point CEFR B2 //ʌnˈriːəl kənˈdɪʃən//

a grammatical structure that describes situations contrary to reality (hypothetical)

He acts as if he were rich (unreal present).

GrammarPoint

past perfect

grammar_point CEFR B1 //pæst ˈpɜːrfɪkt//

a tense used to describe actions completed before another past action (had + past participle)

They reacted as if they had seen the contract before.

GrammarPoint

subjunctive (were)

grammar_point CEFR B2 //səbˈdʒʌŋktɪv (wɜːr)//

the form 'were' used after expressions like 'as if' for hypothetical statements (formal/written)

If I were the manager, I would change the policy. (subjunctive)