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Meaning & use

as

conjunction, preposition, adverb·Everyday

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UK/əz/
US/əz/

Meanings

  1. conjunction

    While one thing is happening, another thing happens at the same time.

    Grammar: Joins two clauses; often followed by a subject and verb: As I was leaving, the phone rang.

    Patterns

    • as something happens
    • as someone does something

    As I opened the door, the cat ran out.

    She smiled as she read the letter.

    The audience cheered as the team scored.

  2. conjunction

    Because; used to give the reason for something.

    Grammar: Introduces a reason clause; can usually be replaced by because, but as is less direct.

    Patterns

    • as something is true
    • as someone does something

    As it was raining, we stayed inside.

    As you know, the deadline is tomorrow.

    He left early as he felt unwell.

  3. preposition

    In the role, function, or form of someone or something.

    Grammar: Followed by a noun phrase: She works as a teacher. Compare like, which means 'similar to'.

    Patterns

    • work as something
    • use something as something

    He works as a nurse at the local hospital.

    You can use this box as a table.

    She was known as a kind leader.

  4. adverb

    Used in comparisons to say that two things are equal in some way.

    Grammar: Part of the pattern as ... as: She is as tall as her brother.

    Patterns

    • as adjective as
    • as adverb as

    This book is as interesting as the first one.

    He doesn't run as fast as his sister.

    Please come as soon as possible.

Common combinations

as well as
She speaks French as well as Spanish.
as soon as
Call me as soon as you arrive.
as if
He looked as if he had seen a ghost.
as usual
As usual, she was the first to arrive.
as for
As for the price, we can discuss that later.

Synonyms and how they differ

because
Use because when the reason is the main point; as is more formal and often puts the reason in the background.
while
While also means 'during the time that', but it can suggest a contrast as well; as simply marks two actions happening together.
like
Like means 'similar to', not 'in the role of'; compare 'He works as a teacher' (he is a teacher) with 'He works like a teacher' (he behaves similarly).

Commonly confused: as or like?

as vs like

Like means 'similar to', while as means 'in the role of'. Say 'She works as a doctor' (she is a doctor), but 'She works like a doctor' (she does similar work).

Practice

Choose the correct word: 'He works ___ a nurse at the local hospital.'

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “as”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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