We use as with a noun to refer to the role or purpose of a person or thing:
I worked as a waiter when I was a student. Most of us did.
Not:
I worked like a waiter…
[The Daily Telegraph is a British newspaper]
The Daily Telegraph appointed Trevor Grove as its Sunday editor.
Internet shopping is seen as a cheaper alternative to shopping on the high street.
A sarong is essential holiday gear. It can be used as a beach towel, wrap, dress or scarf and will take up no space in your bag.
We don’t use as + noun to mean ‘similar to’. We use like + noun:
It’s almost like a real beach, but it’s actually artificial.
Not:
It’s almost as a real beach…
I would like to have a white cat like the one in my dream.
Not: …
as the one in my dream