As ... as (positive equality)
A2 ElementaryUse 'as... as' to show that two people, things, or situations are equal in a specific quality. This structure compares adjectives or adverbs without changing their form.
Overview
The as + adjective/adverb + as construction expresses positive equality. It indicates that the first subject possesses a quality to the same degree as the second subject. This structure is used with both gradable and non-gradable descriptors.
Form
as + adjective/adverb + as
Place the base form of the adjective or adverb between the two 'as' particles. Do not use comparative forms like 'taller' or 'more expensive' within this structure.
Examples
Common mistakes
He is as taller as his father.
He is as tall as his father.
Use the base adjective, not the comparative form ending in -er.
This phone is as expensive than that one.
This phone is as expensive as that one.
Always use 'as' for the second part of the comparison, not 'than'.
Practice
Complete the sentence: My car is ______ (old) yours.
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as old as
Answer:as old as
Why:To show equality, use 'as' before and after the base adjective 'old'.
Correct the error: The movie was as better as the book.
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as good as
Answer:as good as
Why:The base form 'good' must be used instead of the comparative 'better' between 'as... as'.
Rewrite using 'as... as': Sarah and Tom are both 1.7 meters tall.
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Sarah is as tall as Tom.
Answer:Sarah is as tall as Tom.
Why:Since their height is equal, the 'as + adjective + as' structure is required.