Expressions with AS

English learners often struggle with prepositions in phrasal expressions. The preposition “as” is very common in English phrases and can have different meanings depending on the full expression. Mastering expressions with “as” is an important part of building strong English skills. This article will explain common expressions using “as” with example sentences to help you use them correctly in your writing and speaking.

Expressions with AS

Common Expressions with AS

Here are some of the most widely used expressions with “as” to boost your vocabulary:

As a result

Meaning: consequently

Example: My car broke down. As a result, I was late for the meeting.

“As a result” indicates that something happened because of something else. It introduces a consequence or effect that followed a cause.

As a whole

Meaning: entirely

Example: It is better to learn the expression as a whole without separating the words.

“As a whole” means something in its entirety rather than its individual parts.

As ever

Meaning: as usual

Example: I thought Sam would be annoyed but he was as friendly as ever.

“As ever” suggests that something continues to happen in the same way as normal.

As far as

Meaning: to the distance, extent, or degree that

Examples:

She carried the suitcase as far as she could before stopping to rest.
Lunch is included, as far as I know.

“As far as” refers to the extent, distance, or degree of something.

As for

Meaning: with regard to (used when mentioning something else)

Example: The hotel was uncomfortable. As for the food, that wasn’t great either.

“As for” transitions to a new topic or aspect of a discussion.

As if / as though

Meaning: with the appearance of

Example: The woman acted as if / as though she owned the shop.

“As if” and “as though” make a comparison, stating that something seems a certain way.

As is

Meaning: as it is/as they are; in the present state or condition

Example: All discounted goods are sold as is, with no exchanges.

“As is” indicates something is sold or provided without changes or improvements to its current state.

As long as

Meaning: provided; on condition that…

Example: You can borrow the dictionary as long as you put it back when you’ve finished.

“As long as” sets a condition for something else to happen or be allowed.

As of now / as of Monday etc.

Meaning: starting now; from this date on

Example: As of now we must use the new email address.

“As of” expresses the start date of something.

As soon as

Meaning: when; as early/quickly as possible

Example: Call me as soon as you receive the report.

“As soon as” means immediately when something happens or is completed.

As to

Meaning: about; with respect to; concerning

Example: No information has been received as to when the project might start.

“As to” introduces a new topic being addressed.

As well

Meaning: in addition – usually used at the end of a clause.

Example: We can visit the museum and have lunch as well.

“As well” indicates something extra added to what has already been mentioned.

As well as

Meaning: too; in addition to

Example: It was surprising that Jimmy was invited as well as Alex.

“As well as” introduces an additional element.

As yet

Meaning: until and including this moment

Example: We have not received confirmation as yet.

“As yet” means up until the present time.

The Importance of AS Expressions

Why focus on learning expressions with “as”? Here are some key reasons:

They are common in everyday speech and writing. Expressions with “as” come up frequently in both formal and informal English. Knowing them will help you understand and communicate better.
They allow you to sound more fluent. Using these idiomatic expressions will make your English sound more natural and advanced.
They demonstrate you know how “as” is used. Mastering the different meanings and uses of the preposition “as” will improve your grammar skills.
They are tricky for non-native speakers. The subtle differences between phrases like “as if” and “as though” can be hard for English learners to grasp.
They help avoid miscommunication. Understanding expressions precisely will help you avoid confusion or unintentionally offending someone.

Overall, taking the time to learn expressions with “as” is an investment that will pay off through improved listening comprehension, enriched vocabulary, and greater eloquence in speaking and writing.

Tips for Learning AS Expressions

Here are some tips to help you master using “as” in English phrases:

Learn common expressions – Make flashcards or a quizlet with the most frequent expressions above to drill them repeatedly.
Study example sentences – Analyze example sentences to see the expressions used in context. Notice how the meaning changes.
Listen for them – When watching shows or listening to podcasts, listen for these expressions and pay attention to how they are used.
Use new expressions – Try out new expressions you learn in your own writing and speaking as soon as possible. This helps cement them.
Compare similar expressions – Study subtle differences between similar expressions like “as if” vs “as though.”
Learn related grammar – Understand grammar rules related to these phrases, like tenses after “as soon as.”
Ask for clarification – If you hear a new expression with “as,” ask the speaker to explain what it means.
Be patient – Don’t get frustrated if these expressions take time to master. They challenge even advanced English learners.

Common Uses of AS Expressions

Expressions with “as” are extremely versatile. Here are some of their most common uses:

Making Comparisons

Phrases like “as…as” allow you to draw comparisons between things:

Mary is as tall as her sister.
The Team A performed as well as Team B.

“As much as” compares quantities:

I don’t earn as much money as John does.

Introducing Causes

“As” expressions demonstrate causes:

As it was getting late, I headed home.
He failed the exam, as expected.

Making Conditions and Exceptions

Phrases with “as” present conditions or limits:

You can go as long as you are back by 10pm.
We will keep playing tennis as long as the weather stays nice.

Stating Similarity

Expressions like “as if” and “as though” show how things seem:

She talks as if she knows everything.
He looks as though he saw a ghost.

Referring to Time

“As” phrases refer to time:

As of yesterday, masks are mandatory.
I take a break as soon as I finish this report.

Introducing New Topics

Some expressions allow you to switch topics:

As for the new product launch, it has been postponed.
As to your earlier question, let me think about it.

Softening Language

“As” expressions can soften statements:

He is angry, as you probably guessed.
As I mentioned before, this data is outdated.

Common Mistakes with AS Expressions

Because “as” is used in many different idiomatic phrases, it can be challenging for English learners. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Confusing Similar Expressions

It’s easy to mix up expressions like:

As though / as if
As soon as / as long as
As for / as to

Be sure to study the subtle differences in meaning.

Using the Wrong Preposition

Some “as” expressions require specific prepositions:

As of Monday (NOT “As from Monday”)
As to your question (NOT “As for your question”)

Using Incorrect Tense

Pay attention to tense after phrases like “as soon as”:

As soon as he finished eating (NOT “eats”) we left.

Placing in the Wrong Part of the Sentence

Some expressions have fixed positions:

I’m as hungry as a horse. (Not “I as a horse am hungry”)

Overusing Expressions

Don’t use too many “as” expressions together or your writing may sound unnatural. Vary your language.

Other Prepositions Like AS

While “as” is very common in English idiomatic phrases, there are many other useful prepositions:

In – In addition to, in spite of, in charge of
For – For example, for instance, for the time being
With – With regard to, with respect to, with the exception of
On – On account of, on no account, on purpose
By – By accident, by chance, by phone, by the way
From – From now on, from my perspective
Of – Of course, of late, of the opinion that
To – To begin with, to sum up
At – At all, at any rate, at last

Make flashcards with idiomatic phrases using these other prepositions and practice using them in context. This will build your skills and confidence.

Avoiding Overuse of AS

While mastering “as” expressions will improve your English, it’s important not to rely on them too much. Overusing “as” phrases can make your speech or writing seem stale, artificial, or wordy.

Here are some tips:

Vary your sentence structure – Don’t start every sentence with “As…”
Use active voice – Say “I will call you later” rather than “As I mentioned before, I will call you later.”
Change up expressions – Try substituting other transitions like “however,” “therefore,” or “although.”
Replace simple “as” uses – Instead of “As I said already…” just say “Again…”
Let context speak – If a connection between ideas is clear, you don’t need “as” phrases to explicitly state it.

The key is to strike a balance – use enough “as” expressions to sound fluent, but not so many that it seems repetitive or verbose. Practice judging when simple language communicates just as effectively.

Review of Key AS Expressions

Let’s recap some of the most useful English expressions using the preposition “as”:

As a result – Used to introduce a consequence
As far as I know – To the extent of one’s knowledge
As for – Used when changing topics
As if – To make a comparison
As long as – Introducing a condition
As soon as – Immediately when something happens
As well – Also in addition
As yet – Up until now

There are many others, but mastering these common phrases will help boost your fluency. Try creating example sentences to practice using them in context.

Conclusion

In summary, learning idiomatic expressions with “as” is an important way to sound more advanced and eloquent in your English communication. Focus on the most frequent phrases first and use them actively. Pay close attention to the precise meanings to avoid mistakes. With regular practice, these expressions will become natural in your vocabulary. Mastering “as” phrases demonstrates strong grammar skills and takes your language abilities to the next level.