Sentence Correction Grammar-need help.

Jazzman wrote:HI Guys
i have just started preparing for GMAT and i need your help.

The winning fans responded ___________________ a bunch of crazed maniacs.

In the above sentence between LIKE/AS IF , i am confused.In above statement shouldn't grammatically AS IF be right because it is combing two clauses containing two verbs?

thanks in advance!

As if just doesn't sound grammatically correct! How did the winning fans respond? Answer: Like a bunch of crazed maniacs.

Hello Jazzman, good to know that you are preparing for GMAT; I wish you luck!

Before jumping on the question, I will convey two important rules on the usage of AS and LIKE

LIKE--> to be used with nouns only; also, used in hypothetical situations
AS--> used with clauses, etc

Coming back to question, "a bunch of crazed maniacs" is a noun.. So going with the rule, LIKE is the correct usage.

thanks guys!
I have got another one and need your expertise on it.

11. Jimmy likes to play basketball as he were Michael Jordan, flying through the air and dunking the ball.
a) as he were Michael Jordan b) as though he were MichaelJordan c) like he were Michael Jordan d) asthoughhewaslikeMichaelJordan e) as if he was like Michael Jordan

i have no explanation as why my answer is wrong? Any suggestions?

Is it B for the later question?

yes ,it is.Please explain why ?

Question:

Jimmy likes to play basketball as he were Michael Jordan, flying through the air and dunking the ball.
a) as he were Michael Jordan
b) as though he were MichaelJordan
c) like he were Michael Jordan
d) as though he was like Michael Jordan
e) as if he was like Michael Jordan

{A} - INCORRECT; we need a conditional usage such as "if" or "though" etc
{B} - CORRECT
{C} - INCORRECT; "like" is used for nouns
{D} - INCORRECT; "was" is wrong usage.. "were" is correct is the situation is of subjunctive
{E} - INCORRECT; "was" is wrong usage.. "were" is correct is the situation is of subjunctive