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As...As Comparisons

Comparing Things Like a Proper Human

The "as...as" structure is for showing that two things are equal or for making comparisons without being a complete tosser about it. It's the polite way to say things are the same level of good, bad, or mediocre.

The Basic Formula (Simple as Pie):

as + adjective/adverb + as

Put the adjective or adverb between two "as" words. Dead simple.

Structure Example Meaning
as + adjective + as She is as tall as her brother. Same height
as + adverb + as He runs as fast as a cheetah. Same speed
as much + noun + as I have as much money as you. Same amount
as many + noun + as She has as many books as me. Same number

Different Ways to Use As...As

1. Equal Comparisons (Same Level):

  • "This coffee is as good as the expensive stuff." (Equally good)
  • "My car is as old as yours." (Same age)
  • "She's as clever as her sister." (Equal intelligence)

2. With Much/Many for Quantities:

  • "I don't have as much time as I need." (Equal amount)
  • "There aren't as many people as last year." (Equal number)
  • "He earns as much money as his boss." (Same salary)

3. Common Expressions (Learn These!):

  • "As white as snow" (Very white)
  • "As busy as a bee" (Very busy)
  • "As quiet as a mouse" (Very quiet)
  • "As stubborn as a mule" (Very stubborn)

Negative Forms - When Things Aren't Equal

Positive Negative Meaning
as tall as not as tall as shorter than
as expensive as not as expensive as cheaper than
as good as not as good as worse than

Don't Cock This Up - Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong:

  • "She is as tall than me." (Don't mix 'as' with 'than'!)
  • "He is as more intelligent as his brother." (Don't use 'more' with 'as...as')
  • "I have as much books as you." (Use 'many' for countable nouns!)

✅ Right:

  • "She is as tall as me." (Both 'as' words)
  • "He is as intelligent as his brother." (No 'more' needed)
  • "I have as many books as you." ('Many' for countable)

As...As vs Comparative Forms

When to Use Each:

  • As...as: "This is as good as that." (Equal quality)
  • Comparative: "This is better than that." (One is superior)
  • Not as...as: "This isn't as good as that." (Polite way to say worse)

Practice Exercises (Compare Away!)

Exercise 1: Complete the As...As Comparisons

1. My house is (big) yours.
2. She doesn't run (fast) her sister.
3. This book is (interesting) the movie.
4. I don't have money I need.

Exercise 2: Much or Many?

1. She has as friends as me.
2. I don't drink as coffee as you.
3. There aren't as students as last year.
4. He doesn't have as experience as his colleague.

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