Have you ever wanted to know different ways to use ‘as’? Find out with Sam in this English In A Minute.
Sam
As is tiny, but mighty. You can use it in lots of different ways. So, let’s have a look at four of them together.
You can use as – number one – to compare two people or things.
Tokyo is as big as Los Angeles. (more or less)
Number two: to describe somebody’s job:
I used to work as a waitress. (And no, I wasn’t very good),
or to describe something’s function:
Did you know that you can use olive oil as shampoo?
Me neither!
Number three: to say that something happened at the same time as something else.
You rang me just as i was texting you.
Number four: to give a reason like ‘because’.
As the sun is shining today, I think I might go for some fresh air after this.
And as you have hopefully been learning something new, why don’t you practice one of these in the comments now?
Good night!
4 ways to use ‘as’
1. Comparison
You can use as to make a comparison between two things or people.
- He is as tall as his brother.
- That is not as fun as the first game.
2. Function or job
As can be used to describe somebody’s job or the function of something.
- He works as a nurse.
- You can use coconut oil as cooking oil.
3. Simultaneous actions
You can use as to say that something happened at the same time as something else.
- I was just thinking about you as you rang.
- The doorbell rang as I was cooking.
4. Reason
As can be used like ‘because’ to give a reason. It is more formal.
- I didn’t go to the party as I was tired.
- I forgot to send the email as I was stressed.