as

as [ weak əz, strong æz ] function word ***

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 smoke 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 San Francisco costs twice as much as a similar house in some nearby cities.

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

b ) 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 goal is to collect as much information as possible.

The damage wasn't quite as bad as expected.

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

Her skin was white as snow.

He's as tough as nails.

=> LESS

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

As I was saying, we expect 2002 to be a good year.

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

3. ) in the same way

a ) 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.

b ) 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 take the subway to work every day, as do most of the people in my office.

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

As chief executive, 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.

NATO was still seen as a threat by many Russians.

as being/having: Madeira is described as having the best climate in the world.

6. ) when or while

a ) used for saying that something happens at the same time as something else:

As the family was sitting down to dinner, there was a knock at the door.

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

b ) as soon as immediately after something has happened:

I'm ready to go out as soon as it stops raining.

7. ) because used for giving the reason for something:

As it was getting late, we took the children home.

We chose Doug 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 for

used for introducing a subject that is related to what you have just been talking about:

As for the children, they were happy enough to spend all day on the beach.

as if SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that something is not true or is not important:

Don't get lost or anything, will you? As if I would I'm not stupid.

Why was he worrying about the interview? As if it mattered anyway!

as if/as though

1. ) in such a way that something seems to be true:

It looks as if it's going to rain.

Jack smiled as though he was enjoying a private joke.

2. ) used when you are describing something and you imagine an explanation for it that you know is not the real one:

The house was in such a mess it looked as though a bomb had dropped on it.

as is

in the original condition, including any faults or problems:

We've agreed to take the house as is.

as it is

already:

I don't want to hear any more complaints. I've got enough problems as it is.

as it is/as it turns out

used for saying what the situation really is when something different might have happened:

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

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

as it were

used for making a description sound less definite or less exact:

Mandela became, as it were, the father of the nation.

as of

used for saying that something will start to happen on a particular day, and will continue after that day:

As of April 6, all applicants must complete both forms.

as to FORMAL

concerning someone or something:

There is some doubt as to whether the information is totally accurate.

it's not as if... SPOKEN

used for saying that something is not true and therefore it cannot be the explanation for someone's behavior:

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

=> GOOD1, LONG 2, SOON, WELL1, YET