As vs. So As
What's the Difference?
As and so as are both conjunctions that are used to introduce a reason or cause in a sentence. However, there is a slight difference in their usage. "As" is more formal and is often used at the beginning of a sentence, while "so as" is more informal and is typically used in the middle of a sentence. Additionally, "so as" is often followed by an infinitive verb, while "as" can be followed by a clause or a noun phrase. Overall, both words serve a similar purpose in connecting ideas and providing explanations in a sentence.
Comparison
| Attribute | As | So As |
|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Used for comparing actions or qualities | Used for emphasizing the result or consequence |
| Usage | Used to show similarity or equality | Used to show purpose or intention |
| Structure | Followed by an adjective or adverb | Followed by a clause or phrase |
Further Detail
Introduction
As and so as are two commonly used phrases in English that are often confused due to their similar meanings. While both are used to show cause and effect relationships, there are subtle differences between the two that can affect the overall meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will explore the attributes of as and so as in order to better understand how they are used in context.
Definition of As
The word "as" is a conjunction that is used to introduce a clause that provides a reason or explanation for something else in the sentence. It is often used to show cause and effect relationships, similar to the word "because." For example, in the sentence "She failed the test as she did not study," the word "as" is used to explain why she failed the test.
Additionally, "as" can also be used to compare two things that are similar in some way. For example, in the sentence "She is as tall as her brother," the word "as" is used to show the similarity in height between the two siblings.
Definition of So As
The phrase "so as" is also a conjunction that is used to show cause and effect relationships, similar to the word "as." However, "so as" is often used to emphasize the result or consequence of an action. For example, in the sentence "She studied hard so as to pass the exam," the phrase "so as" emphasizes the purpose of studying hard.
Unlike "as," "so as" is not commonly used to compare two things that are similar. Instead, it is primarily used to show the reason or purpose behind an action. This distinction is important to keep in mind when choosing between "as" and "so as" in a sentence.
Usage of As
The word "as" is a versatile conjunction that can be used in a variety of contexts. It is commonly used to introduce clauses that provide reasons or explanations for something else in the sentence. For example, in the sentence "He left early as he had a meeting to attend," the word "as" is used to explain why he left early.
Additionally, "as" can also be used to compare two things that are similar in some way. For example, in the sentence "She sings as beautifully as a bird," the word "as" is used to compare the beauty of her singing to that of a bird.
- As is used to introduce clauses that provide reasons or explanations.
- As can be used to compare two things that are similar.
- As is a versatile conjunction that can be used in a variety of contexts.
Usage of So As
The phrase "so as" is used to emphasize the result or consequence of an action. It is often used to show the purpose or intention behind an action. For example, in the sentence "She worked hard so as to impress her boss," the phrase "so as" emphasizes the purpose of working hard.
Unlike "as," "so as" is not commonly used to compare two things that are similar. Instead, it is primarily used to show the reason or purpose behind an action. This emphasis on purpose sets "so as" apart from "as" in terms of usage.
- So as is used to emphasize the result or consequence of an action.
- So as is often used to show the purpose or intention behind an action.
- So as is not commonly used to compare two things that are similar.
Examples of As and So As
Let's look at some examples to further illustrate the differences between "as" and "so as" in context:
1. As: "He ran as fast as he could to catch the bus." In this sentence, "as" is used to compare the speed at which he ran to his maximum capability.
2. So as: "She saved money so as to buy a new car." In this sentence, "so as" is used to emphasize the purpose of saving money.
3. As: "The team lost the game as they were missing their star player." In this sentence, "as" is used to explain why the team lost the game.
4. So as: "He woke up early so as not to be late for work." In this sentence, "so as" is used to emphasize the intention behind waking up early.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both "as" and "so as" are used to show cause and effect relationships, they have distinct differences in terms of usage. "As" is a versatile conjunction that can be used to introduce clauses that provide reasons or explanations, as well as to compare two things that are similar. On the other hand, "so as" is primarily used to emphasize the result or consequence of an action, and to show the purpose or intention behind that action. Understanding these differences can help writers choose the appropriate word or phrase to convey their intended meaning in a sentence.
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