Like many people/As many people

Is it right to say

Like many people or As many people

And

Like many people do or As many people do

?

ANd what about

He looks (as - like) he is very sad

Post 1. Both can be correct. You need extra context.
Post 2. He looks as if he is very sad / He looks like he’s very sad.

Thanks

Can you give me examples of extra context ?