Expressions with 'as'

B2 First: expressions with 'as'

'As + adjective + as' does appear in the FCE exam in normal comparatives. However, there are also some expressions using 'as ... as' which have another meaning - it's a good idea to learn these.


Have a look at these expressions. When you are ready, hide them and try the exercises below to practise using them.

ExpressionMeaning
I studied Japanese as well as Spanish. also, in addition
I fell asleep as soon as I closed my eyes. when (immediately)
I'll lend you £100 as long as you pay me back. but only if
He's still a teacher as far as I know. to this extent
As many as 3 million people speak French. up to, and including

We can also use as much as, as little as and as few as in a similar way to as many as. Much and little are used with uncountable nouns (such as 'food' or 'money'), while many and few are used with countable plural nouns (such as 'apples' or 'people').

Practice 1: multiple choice cloze (use of English part 1)

Choose the best word to complete the following sentences.

  1. We went home as _____ as it started raining.
     well  long  far  soon
  2. I'm vegetarian. I'll eat that as ____ as it doesn't contain meat.
     well  long  far  soon
  3. I predict the US will win over 30 gold medals, while the UK will only win as ____ as 5.
     well  far  few  little
  4. As ____ as I remember, the first time I met Tom was at college.
     much  well  far  soon
   

Practice 2: open cloze (use of English part 2)

Choose one word to complete the following sentences.

As as 15 million people in the UK catch a cold each year. As as doctors are concerned, the best treatment for a cold is to keep warm and drink plenty of fluids. As as this, you should rest and make sure you keep eating properly. Some people claim that if you take vitamin C as as you start feeling ill, it will reduce your symptoms.

It is safe to exercise if you have a cold as as you are sensible and listen to your body. However, be careful when driving, as studies have shown that colds and flu can reduce driver concentration and reactions by as as 11%.

(Note: I'm a teacher, not a doctor. Please don't take this as medical advice!)