ENGLISH
REFERENCE

as if

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to describe how something seems or feels, even if it is not actually true. it can also be used as a sarcastic way to say 'that will never happen'.

fixed phr.. a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a predicative or adverbial clause of manner, often indicating a hypothetical or counterfactual state. in informal register, it functions as an exclamatory interjection expressing disbelief or dismissal.


SIMPLE

He looks as if he hasn't slept in days.

CONTEXTUAL

She treats me as if I were a child, even though I am her manager.

COMPLEX

The old house groaned and creaked as if it were mourning the loss of its former inhabitants during the storm.

Origin

From Middle English as ȝif, alls iff (“as if”), from Old English *ealswā ġif, attested only as swā ġif (“as if”), equivalent to as + if. Compare Dutch alsof (“as if”), Low German as of (“as if”), German als ob (“as if”).

Usage

often followed by the past tense or 'were' to show that the situation is imaginary or untrue.

Teaching tip

point out that 'as if' and 'as though' are interchangeable, but 'as if' is much more common in spoken English and carries the specific sarcastic slang usage.

Pitfall

He looks as if he is winning the lottery.He looks as if he won the lottery.when describing a hypothetical or unlikely state, use a past tense form after 'as if' to show it is not a current reality.

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