as */*/*/

strong UK [æz] / US weak UK [əz] / US adverb, conjunction, preposition

Summary:

As can be used in the following ways: - as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): As I was leaving, the phone rang. ♦ The results were not as bad as I had expected. - as a preposition (followed by a noun): He works as a waiter. - as an adverb (followed by an adjective, an adverb, or a word such as "much" or "many"): Nylon is cheaper than leather, and it's just as strong.

1) used for showing comparison

a) used for comparing one person, thing, or situation with another

as ... as:

Simon isn't as tall as his brother.

I don't play football as much as I used to.

I can't run as fast as you.

just as:

We all need regular exercise, but a healthy diet is just as important.

half/twice/three times etc as much:

A house in London costs twice as much as a similar house in Liverpool.

the same as:

Barbara's suggestion was almost exactly the same as mine.

b) used in particular expressions for emphasizing a quality in someone or something

Her skin was white as snow.

as tough as old boots

••

See:

less

2) spoken used for referring to what is known used for mentioning that something is already known or has already been talked about

As I was saying, we expect next year to be a good year.

As everyone knows, the farming industry is in serious difficulties.

3) in the same way used for saying that something happens or is done in the same way

I invested the money as you suggested.

Leave everything just as you found it.

as usual:

Judith was late, as usual.

4) having a particular job, use, or appearance used for referring to what someone or something does or how they appear

As managing director, I am expected to provide effective leadership.

a portrait of the princess as a child

An electric drill can also be used as a screwdriver.

5) how someone/something is considered used for saying that someone or something is considered or described in a particular way

Van Dyck was regarded as the greatest painter of his time.

The result of the vote is being seen as a personal victory for the Prime Minister.

as being/having:

Madeira is described as having the best climate in the world.

6) when or while used for saying that something happens at the same time as something else

As we were sitting down to dinner, the phone rang.

just as:

We got to the check-in desk just as they were about to close.

7) because used for giving the reason for something

As it was getting late, we decided to go home.

We chose Calvert to lead us as he said he knew the way.

8) although used after an adjective or adverb to mean that something is true despite what you are saying

Strange as it may seem, I never really wanted to be rich.

Much as I sympathize with your difficulties, there is little I can do to help you.

•

as ... as usual/possible/necessary/expected — equal to the amount or level that is usual/possible/necessary/expected

There were twice as many visitors as usual last weekend.

Our aim is to collect as much information as possible.

The damage wasn't quite as bad as expected.

as is/does/has etc someone — formal used for saying that someone or something else is the same/does the same thing/has done the same thing etc

Frank is a fine athlete, as was his father before him.

I travel to London every day, as do most of the people who live in this village.

as it is/as it turns out — used for saying what the situation really is when something different might have happened

He was expecting to have completed his training by now. As it is, he's only halfway through it.

They said the repairs would cost around £20,000, but, as it turns out, the final bill will be twice that amount.

as of/as from — used for saying that something will start to happen on a particular day, and will continue after that day

As of 6th April 1999, all gifts to charities will be free of tax.

As from today, the bank will be open for business from 9.30 am.

it's not as if... — spoken used for saying that something is not true and therefore it cannot be the explanation for someone's behaviour

I can't understand why he disapproves of me. It's not as if I've done anything wrong.

- as for

- as if

- as is

- as it is

- as it were

- as soon as

- as to

See:

good I, long II, soon, well I, yet