Language/English/Vocabulary/As-if-and-as-though;-like

As if and as though; like

 

1. Meaning

As if and as though are both used to say what a situation seems like. They can refer to something that we think may be true. 

Examples:

It looks as if/though it’s going to snow.

It sounds as if/though John’s going to change his job. 

 

They can also be used to talk about things which we know are not true. 

Examples:

I feel as if/though I'm dying.

She was acting as if/though she was in charge.

2. Tenses

When we talk about things which we know are not true, we can use a past tense with a present meaning after as if/though. This emphasises the meaning of unreality.  

Compare:

- She looks as if she is rich. (Perhaps she is.)

He talks as if he was rich. (But he is definitely not.)

- You look as though you know each other.

Why is he looking at me as though he knew me? I've never seen him before.  

In a formal style, "were" can be used instead of "was" in an ‘unreal’ comparison. This is common in American English. 

Example:

He talks as if he were rich. 

3. "Like" meaning 'as if/though' 

"Like" is often used in the same way as "as if/though", particularly in an informal style. This used to be typically American English, but it is now common in British English. 

Examples:

It seems like it’s going to snow.

He sat there smiling like it was his birthday.