I behave as they did vs I behave like them

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'I behave as they did' is used when comparing actions or behaviors, while 'I behave like them' is used when comparing general behavior or characteristics. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 2281 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when comparing actions or behaviors.

"I behave as they did"

This phrase is used to compare one's behavior to the behavior of others in specific situations or actions.

Examples:

I behave as they did when faced with a difficult decision.
She behaves as they did when dealing with challenges.

Show examples from the web [+]

To behave as you know I'd wish my wife to behave.
Nevertheless, I have no excuse to behave as I did.
I did not behave as I should.
Miss Swan did not behave as I had hoped.
I'm always watching myself, making sure I behave properly.
Sometimes I do get insecure and I behave oddly around people.
You said I behave like a boy.
I behave in a silly way towards you.
-It was a mistake to think I could behave as I used to.
You're federal agents, and I expect you to behave as such.
While Apollo clearly had influence on those in the recreation room, I do not believe he intended to behave as he did.
Try not to be seen today in the streets, and behave as I have ordered you.
Not even under the Franco dictatorship did the police behave as I witnessed in Genoa.
I do, however, find it unacceptable to behave as if information were the point at issue.
We always behave as if these things were self-evident, and so I am grateful to you for addressing this point.
I must keep stressing that point, because critics of the concept behave as if the Green Paper meant that everything was already enshrined in law.
I'm in trouble if I behave or not.
And when I behave nicely, he gives me a bit of sugar... so that I can catch flies.
I behave myself and she doesn't leave me, so please, tell her nothing other than I worship the ground on which she treads.
I don't aim to end up on county relief with a bowl of soup and two cigarettes a day, if I behave myself.

Alternatives:

I act as they did
I conduct myself as they did
I react as they did
I respond as they did
I handle things as they did

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when comparing general behavior or characteristics.

"I behave like them"

This phrase is used to compare one's overall behavior or characteristics to those of others.

Examples:

I behave like them when it comes to punctuality.
He behaves like them in his approach to problem-solving.

Show examples from the web [+]

You said I behave like a boy.
The only thing I know for sure is when I reach for the rum I behave like a paper scull.
I have had Mr Watson saying that I behave like an English football hooligan, when all I did was to gently point out that Commissioner Barrot is a convicted embezzler.
I'd behave like a Japanese. I wouldn't lose face.
Alright, I will behave like a priest.
If it behaves like lightning, then I can command it.
Believe me, I don't normally behave like this...
I only want you to behave like a human being.
I wonder what Blue Kangs behave like this.
For being the first student I've met at Capeside who behaves like one.
Now I know that uncontrolled grenades behave like cats dicks in March.
I'll teach you to behave like a gentleman amongst ladies.
I'm always watching myself, making sure I behave properly.
Sometimes I do get insecure and I behave oddly around people.
I behave in a silly way towards you.
I'll tell you what nature behaves like and if you will simply admit that maybe she does behave like this, you will find her a delightful, entrancing thing.
I'm thinking that, while I'm here, I should behave like the king of france.
I've got no right to tell you what it is to be a man if I don't behave like one myself.
Do you know, I've been amongst triffids all my life. I've never known them to behave like that.
Wherever it is, I feel the responsibility of a Cuban revolutionary, and I will behave like one.

Alternatives:

I act like them
I conduct myself like them
I behave similarly to them
I am similar to them in behavior
I exhibit behavior similar to theirs

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I behave as they did vs I behave like them