Verbal questions from any Manhattan Prep GMAT Computer Adaptive Test. Topic subject should be the first few words of your question.
vietnam01
 
 

as vs like, too much

by vietnam01 Thu Jan 15, 2009 4:19 am

what is different in meanings among

1, I sing like her

2, like her, I sing

3, I sing as she dose

pls help,

I think 1,2 are the same and mean: I and she are similar because I and she sing

3, means I sing in the same way that she sings

dose my thinking is right? pls, help
kylo
 
 

by kylo Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:13 am

1 & 2 r grammatically incorrect.




Thanks!
Guest
 
 

by Guest Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:29 am

3 cases are correct

the 4th case is also correct

4, I sing like her playing

pls, help, explain the meaning for 4 cases
StaceyKoprince
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
Posts: 9359
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
Location: Montreal
 

by StaceyKoprince Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:04 pm

"I sing like her" or "Like her, I sing" are both fine. (See OG Verbal supplement SC #31 for an example similar to the "Like her, I sing" option.) In this construction, "like" functions as a preposition, which means that the "like" phrase cannot contain a conjugated verb. It doesn't in either case above, so the construction is fine.

And, yes, the meaning here is "I am like her, because we both sing." But they don't necessarily sing in the same way - maybe one's a soprano and one's a punk rocker. :)

"I sing as she sings" (or "as she does") is also fine. "as" is a conjunction that introduces a clause, and a clause must contain a conjugated verb. It does in this case, so the construction works.

You are also right about the meaning: She and I sing in the same way.
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep