COMMON ERROR FROM OUR SKYPE ENGLISH CLASSES Is 'como' translated by 'as' or 'like'??

Our English students often have issues translating 'como'. Should it be 'as' or 'like' when not a question word?Even though there is some disagreement as to the use of these 2 words when translating ‘como’, the basic rule is that if the verb and subject come before ‘como’ then we should use ‘like’. So:

The structure of the sentence is normally: VERB + LIKE + NOUN / PRONOUN.

For example:

There are many beautiful cities in Spain like Salamanca and Toledo.

She speaks like her mother.

If the verb and subject come after

‘como’ then we should use ‘as’.

For example:

Nobody works as she does.

She sings as if it were the last day on earth.

They played football as they were.

In this context many times ‘as’ is replaced by ‘’like’ by native speakers, especially in American English. However, it doesn’t mean you should use ‘like’ in the immediate example above. We have just mentioned this detail so that you are aware that this piece of grammar isn’t always set in stone or black and white.

The exception to the rule above is that if ‘como’ is followed by a noun or pronoun and ‘como’ means ‘in the form of’ or ‘in the position of’ then we need to use ‘as’.

For example:

He works as a taxi driver (in the position of).

We use our garage as a workshop (in the form of).

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