1) You might find this helpful: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/like-versus-as.aspx I would say "something is like something else" when a few characteristics are similar. I would use "something is acting (verb) as if it where something else" when the idea is a bit more abstract, complex or when more than one quality or characteristic is involved with the subject. This isn't a hard rule, only some guidelines. 3) Became = past tense of become. Become = come to be. "Today you have become a monster with the English language". "Since you became a monster with the English language, yesterday, you will be admired by all."

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