What Part of Speech is “AS”
In the English language, the word “as” can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used as a conjunction,preposition, or adverb depending on the context.
- Conjunction
This word is considered as a conjunction because it connects clauses in a sentence. Normally, it also means “while” or “when.” In the sample sentence below:
The dolphins popped up as we passed by.
The word “as” serves as a conjunction that connects the clause “the dolphins popped up” with the clause “we passed by.”
Definition:
a. used to indicate that something happens during the time when something is taking place
- Example:
- Peter watched her as she walked through the crowd.
b. used to indicate by comparison the way that something happens or is done
- Example:
- They all felt as Dave did.
c. because; since
- Example:
- I must prepare now as I have to go to school.
- Preposition
The word “as” is also commonly used as a preposition to indicate the time of being, or the role of a person or object. For instance, in this sentence:
Lisa had been stubborn as a teenager.
The word is categorized as a preposition because it is used to show the “time” (as a teenager) when the subject (Lisa) “had been stubborn.”
Definition:
a. used to refer to the function or character that someone or something has.
- Example:
- She got a job as a saleslady.
b. during the time of being
- Example:
- Marco had often been sick as a child.
- Adverb
In some cases, the word “as” is also used to show comparison or equivalence. For example, in the sentence:
Her hair is as soft as silk.
The word is used to compare the noun “hair” with the noun “silk” in terms of the softness.
Definition:
a. used in comparisons to refer to the extent or degree of something
- Example:
- The sinkhole is as big as a basketball court.