as
Translation
as, like, because, when
Examples
He works as a teacher.
He works as a teacher.
She sings as beautifully as a bird.
She sings as beautifully as a bird.
As it was raining, we stayed inside.
As it was raining, we stayed inside.
He arrived as I was leaving.
He arrived as I was leaving.
Grammar Patterns
as ((a/an + noun)) to describe a role or function He works as a doctor.
as ((adjective/adverb)) as to make a comparison It's as cold as ice.
as ((clause)) to give a reason As it's late, I'll go home.
as ((clause)) to indicate simultaneous action She smiled as he walked in.
Similar Words
Synonyms: like, because, when, while
Etymology
From Old English 'alswa' meaning 'all so, just as'.
Memory Tips
'as' is a small word with many jobs: role (as a...), comparison (as...as), reason (as...), and time (as...).