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Mitsuo23 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

"as best I could" why is there no the other as?

Hi,

The sentence below is from a book, and the character is trying to avoid an a sound because he has a lisp problem.

Plurals presented a considerable problem, but I worked around them as best I could; "rivers," for example, became either "a river or two" or "many a river."



1) Will you explain why this is correct. I think the correct form should be "as best as I could."



2) Is this grammatically correct? I have never seen a writing like this.



Thank you,

M
  

Top answer

mitsuwao23 , but I worked around them as best I could; 1) Will you explain why this is correct. " No, you can't say 'as best as'. You can say 'as well as' and 'as good as'.

— Canadian45

  • mitsuwao23 , but I worked around them as best I could; 1) Will you explain why this is correct.
  • " No, you can't say 'as best as'.
  • You can say 'as well as' and 'as good as'.
  • 'as best I could' is correct.
  • It means 'the best I could'.
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7 Answers
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mitsuwao23, but I worked around them as best I could;

1) Will you explain why this is correct. I think the correct form should be "as best as I could." No, you can't say 'as best as'. You can say 'as well as' and 'as good as'.

'as best I could' is correct. It means 'the best I
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These quotations sound familiar -- is it David Sedaris, by any chance?
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They're pouring seawater into these vessels, as best they can, to keep it cool.

Leaning out farther and shielding his eyes as best he was able, the hotel owner could see that the street was cleared.

Plaintiff's lawyer Isquith says, " We soldier along representing our clients as best we can."
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Thank you, Mister Micawber and canadian45, for your help.

cc: khoff,

Yes, it's from Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris,

M
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mitsuwao231) Will you explain why this is correct. I think the correct form should be "as best as I could."

It's quite common nowadays for people to add that "as" trying to make sense of the grammar of "as best I can." Previous generations just accepted it; it's idiomatic (now) but correct. For an explanation you have to consult a historical or diachronic lingu
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It is an idiom. Many idioms are kind of slang phrases, which may or may not be technically correct.

In this instance "as best I could" is just a common phrase people use. That is what makes it correct.
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AnonymousIn this instance "as best I could" is just a common phrase people use. That is what makes it correct.
While there may be an element of truth in what you say, I think you're missing the point.

With the pattern as X as, you can't have X in the superlative (-est) form.

best is like prettiest, highest, or m
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