Comparisons with as … as
Definition
The pattern as + adjective/adverb + as compares two people, things or actions at an equal degree. Negative forms such as not as ... as and not so ... as express inequality.
Examples
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This bag is as heavy as that one.
The two bags are presented as equal in weight.
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Maya speaks as confidently as Leo.
The pattern compares the manner of speaking.
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We do not have as much time as yesterday.
As much ... as compares an uncountable quantity.
As ... as vs. comparative + than
This route is as direct as the coastal road.
The routes are presented as equal in directness.
This route is more direct than the mountain road.
One route is presented as more direct.
As ... as expresses equality. A comparative form with than expresses a difference.
The pattern also works with quantities and multipliers
Use as many ... as with countable plural nouns and as much ... as with uncountable nouns. Expressions such as twice as, three times as, nearly as and not quite as refine the comparison.
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The hall holds twice as many people as the smaller room.
Twice as many compares countable quantity.
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The second version is nearly as useful as the first.
Nearly shows that the degrees are close but not fully equal.
Common mistakes
This tower is as taller as that one.
This tower is as tall as that one.
Use the base adjective between the two instances of as.
The bus is not as fast than the train.
The bus is not as fast as the train.
The equality pattern ends with as, not than.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly expresses equal height?
The pattern is as + base adjective + as.Which sentence correctly compares an uncountable quantity?
Use as much ... as with the uncountable noun information.Which sentence means the second design is close to, but not fully, equal?
Nearly as effective as expresses a degree close to equality.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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