as

1. 1
   being (role)preposition

   In the role, function, or character of, as in she works as a nurse or the land was offered as security.

   The cottage is let as a holiday home.

   He sent her flowers as an apology.

   UsageAs names a role, like compares: work as a teacher (not incorrect: work like a teacher).

2. 2
   same extentadverb

   To the same or such an extent, before an adjective or adverb and usually followed by a comparison.

   The new phone is not as fast as the old model, but it costs more.

   The second driver finished the course just as quickly, though with far less fuss.

   UsageUsually as + adjective or adverb + as: as fast as, just as quickly; also twice as expensive.

   Similarso, equally

   Note

   The first half of the equal comparison sets the degree, and the as that completes it supplies the standard. Underneath is a worn-down also, from Old English eallswā, "just so," which is why it still carries the sense of "equally." Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

   • As is a reduced form of also, derived from Old English eallswā, meaning "just so; as". en.wiktionary.org
3. 3
   becauseconjunction

   Because, since or seeing that, giving the reason for something.

   As you were out, I left the parcel with a neighbor.

   I'll go first, as I know the way.

   UsageGives a reason as background: as you were out; since as can also mean when, because is clearer for the main point.

   Similarbecause, since, for

   Note

   A reason offered as background: as it's too late, I quit. With an adjective moved to the front, as in tired as he was, I decided not to disturb him, the shape matches the concessive though. Here, though, the tiredness is the reason, not an obstacle.

4. 4
   when (time)conjunction

   While, or at the moment when something happens, or in step with another change, as in 'as she grew older, she grew calmer'.

   I read the paper as I waited for the train.

   The lights dimmed as the orchestra tuned up.

   Similarwhile, when

   Note

   It ties two events together in time. He sleeps as the rain falls sets two ongoing actions side by side, while she turned as the door opened marks a single moment. When both clauses describe change, as in as she grew older, she grew calmer, it shows the two changes keeping pace.

5. 5
   conjunction

   In the way that, or like, including in comparisons with an imagined situation; also used to introduce a comment on what is said.

   Everything went as we had planned.

   She looked at me as if I had said something very rude.

   UsageCommon in as if, as though, as usual and as I said; casual speech often uses like instead.

   Similarlike

   Note

   Here the word keeps its oldest job, from Old English eallswā, "just so": do as I say means do it in just that way. In a comment clause the verb can come before its subject, as in slim, as were most of her relatives. That formal inversion adds a parallel fact rather than describing a manner. Source

   Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

   • As derives from Old English eallswā, meaning 'just so; as'. en.wiktionary.org
   • The manner meaning continues a function of its Old English ancestor. en.wiktionary.org
6. 6
   same extentpreposition

   Used before a noun or pronoun, in the objective case, to introduce the standard of a comparison.

   He is as stubborn as me, and that's saying something.

   The room was quiet as a church.

   UsageEveryday English says as tall as me; formal English may prefer as tall as I am. Similes can drop the first as: cold as ice.

7. 7
   conjunction

   Used to introduce a relative clause, sometimes almost meaning that, which or who, chiefly after same or such.

   We need such help as we can get.

   She was wearing the same jacket as she wore to her job interview.

   UsageMostly after the same and such: the same as (not incorrect: the same like), such help as we can get.

   Note

   Shakespeare's that kind of fruit as maids call medlars uses it where modern English would write which. Source

   Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

   • The quoted words occur in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, spoken by Mercutio in Act 2, scene 1. folger.edu
8. 8
   conjunction

   Used after an earlier as or so to complete a comparison of equality, introducing a clause.

   The cake was as good as my grandmother used to make.

   He isn't so tall as his brother was at that age.

   UsageAfter a negative, so can replace the first as: not so tall as his brother is.

   Note

   What follows is a full clause with its own verb, such as as I was two years ago or as it is to do it wrong. That separates it from the preposition before a bare noun.

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