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as they are vs like they are

The phrases 'as they are' and 'like they are' have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'As they are' is used to describe things in their current state or condition, while 'like they are' is used to make a comparison between two things. Therefore, they are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1494 views

as they are

The phrase 'as they are' is correct and commonly used in English to describe things in their current state or condition.

This phrase is used to refer to things or situations in the way they currently exist, without any changes or modifications.

Examples:

I like things just as they are.
Let's leave the decorations as they are for now.
Accept people as they are.
The instructions are clear as they are.
I prefer to see things as they are.

Show examples from the web [+]

But we are going to post these webcasts as they are.
The callas look beautiful as they are.
They're as addictive as they are poisonous.
Hour I understand as they are the things.
And you have to leave as they are.
We're just reporting things as they are.
This lets you glimpse things as they are.
All the arrangements regarding Thomas will stay as they are.
I can only hope that things stay as they are.
You honor me. I think things are best left as they are.
I am stating the facts as they are.
Do not reproach me for describing the facts as they are.
But let us take things as they are.
The report presented in plenary has the virtue of finally seeing things as they are.
You're being just as condescending as they are.
It should not disadvantage more sustainable modes, as they are favoured by the EU transport policy.
His sisters are reputed to be as clever as they are beautiful.
The instruments of power are as mysterious as they are burdensome.
Girl friendships are as perplexing as they are pleasurable.
The Esquilache Riots stay as they are.

Alternatives:

in their current state
in their present condition
without any changes
without modifications
in their natural state

like they are

The phrase 'like they are' is correct and commonly used in English to make comparisons between two things.

This phrase is used to compare two things or situations, highlighting similarities between them.

Examples:

She looks like she is tired.
The new design is like the old one.
He acts like he is the boss.
The situation is like it was before.
The house smells like it did last time.

Show examples from the web [+]

She treats people like they are water -
You talk to people like they are on Oprah's couch?
And that things would be much like they are now.
I want the computers, but I don't want them to be the be-all and end-all of everything, like they are in the standard 430.
The behavior of the pilots is like they are playing a computer game.
We're looking to lean hard on all three, like they are crooked, see which one pops.
Yes. All those white people sound like they are making mistake.
It's like they are the primatologists.
Looks like they are calling off the search.
Help me show them we are not like they are.
We like things just like they are.
Almost like they aren't dreams.
Looks like they are talking about Yoon Gae Hwa.
And they look like they are already best friends.
I see things like they are.
'Cause everyone acts like they are the captain.
Good band, but it feels like they are stuck in one place musically.
This is making the roads a happier place because cyclists wait like they are supposed to, car drivers aren't infuriated.
But I am not a hopeless dreamer like they are, so, excuse me if I take offence at that.
Jody's a totally captivating performer, and the audience isn't nervous for him when he's on stage like they are with you.

Alternatives:

similar to how they are
resembling their current state
in a similar manner
akin to their current condition
in the same way as they are

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