Definition

1. Adverb:

   • To the same degree or amount (often used with another 'as' for comparison): Used to indicate equality in a comparison.
   • For example; in the manner or role of: Used to introduce an example or to specify a role or function.

2. Conjunction:

   • At the same time that; while: Used to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously.
   • Because; since: Used to introduce a reason or cause.
   • In the way that: Used to indicate manner or method.
   • Though; although: Used to introduce a concessive clause (this usage is formal and often involves inversion: e.g., "Tired as he was...").

3. Pronoun:

   • A fact that; a thing which: Used after 'such' or 'the same' to refer back to something previously mentioned.
   • Which fact: Used to refer to the idea of the whole preceding clause.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • She is as tall as her brother. (Indicates equality in height.)
  • He works as a teacher. (Indicates his role or job.)

• Conjunction:

  • I saw her as I was leaving. (Indicates simultaneous actions.)
  • As it was getting late, we decided to leave. (Introduces a reason.)
  • Do as I say, not as I do. (Indicates manner or method.)
  • Young as he is, he is very responsible. (Introduces a concessive clause.)

• Pronoun:

  • We need such tools as are available. (Refers back to 'tools'.)
  • He was late, as is often the case. (Refers to the idea of the whole clause 'He was late'.)

Advanced Usage

• "as it were": Used to indicate that what is being said is not literally true but is a way of describing something.

  • He is, as it were, the king of his own little world.

• "as of": Used to indicate the time or date from which something starts or is effective.

  • The new policy is in effect as of Monday.

• "as per": According to; in accordance with.

  • Please proceed as per the instructions.

Variants and Related Words

• As...as: The standard construction for making comparisons of equality.

  • This book is as interesting as that one.

• As if / As though: Used to say that something seems or appears a certain way.

  • He looked as if he had seen a ghost.

Synonyms

• Adverb: Equally, similarly.
• Conjunction: While, when, because, since, though.
• Pronoun: Which, that.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Note: 'As' is not typically used to form phrasal verbs. Its primary functions are as an adverb, conjunction, and pronoun.

Related Idioms

• As well: Also; in addition.

  • I'd like to come as well.

• As far as: To the extent or degree that.

  • As far as I know, the meeting is still on.

• As long as: Provided that; on the condition that.

  • You can borrow my car as long as you drive carefully.

• As good as: Nearly; virtually.

  • The deal is as good as done.

• As for: With regard to; concerning.

  • As for your suggestion, we will consider it.

Adverb

1. to the same degree (often followed by `as')
   • they were equally beautiful
   • birds were singing and the child sang as sweetly
   • sang as sweetly as a nightingale
   • he is every bit as mean as she is

Noun

1. a United States territory on the eastern part of the island of Samoa
2. a very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar