Meaning & use
as such
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Used to say that you mean a word in its strict or exact sense, rather than loosely.
Grammar: Follows a noun and often appears in negatives: there is no rule as such.
Patterns
- something as such
- not something as such
The job isn't a promotion as such, but it pays more.
There is no law against it as such, only a local rule.
He is not a doctor as such; he works in medical research.
phrasefixed phrase
In the role or position just mentioned, or because of being that thing.
Grammar: Refers back to a noun used earlier in the sentence: she is the manager and, as such, makes the decision.
Patterns
- as such, someone must do something
He is a member of the board and, as such, can vote on the plan.
Teachers are public servants and, as such, must follow certain rules.
The museum is a charity and as such pays no tax.
phrasefixed phraseformal
Therefore, as a result of the fact just stated.
Grammar: Often begins a clause in formal writing, but is sometimes criticized as vague.
Patterns
- As such, something follows.
The device is out of warranty. As such, we cannot repair it for free.
The road is unsafe in winter. As such, it is closed from November.
Funding was cut; as such, the program ended.
Common combinations
- not X as such
- It is not a crime as such, but it is frowned upon.
- and as such
- He is a citizen and as such has the right to vote.
- no problem as such
- There is no problem as such, only a few delays.
- no rules as such
- There are no rules as such, just guidelines.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in itself
- In itself stresses that a thing considered alone has a quality, while as such usually refers to a role or exact label.
- therefore
- Therefore is a direct, clear link, while as such needs a clear noun to refer back to.
- strictly speaking
- Strictly speaking opens a sentence about precision, whereas as such usually follows the noun it limits.
Word family
Commonly confused: as such or as such as?
as such vs as such as
This is not a standard expression; write such as when you want to introduce examples.
Practice
The club is a registered charity and, ______, does not pay income tax.
Choose one answer.
As such refers back to the role of charity and gives the consequence. Such as introduces examples and does not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “as such”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.