Idioms2

Question 1

As a means of vs as a means to

Answer 1

X as a means of Y–suggests X is a kind of Y

E.g.-dining out only seldom is a means of saving money

X as a means to Y—suggests X is a step on the way to Y
Y is goal,X is a method employed

Question 2

Act like vs act as

Answer 2

Act like—imitation
‘Act like a king’– I am not a king,but something of my behaviour resembles that of a king

In case of objects—act like is obv wrong

Act as—in capacity of

Question 3

Likelihood

Answer 3

Likelihood that

Question 4

Compared to vs compared with

Answer 4

Normal comparison(comparing 2 comparables)

E.g.-one baby in 4 babies are now born to a mother aged 30yrs or older,compared with just one in six born in 1975.

Compared to–for 2 non comparables…to show similarity

E.g.-economist has compared the fed reserve to an automobile