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.

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.