"as are" in a sentence

Question

A number of laboratory tests are available. None is completely sensitive and specific for myocardial infarction, particularly in the hours following onset of symptoms. Timing is important, as are correlation with patient symptoms, electrocardiograms, and angiographic studies. The following tests are available as markers for acute myocardial infarction:

My question is "as" refers to what?

(At first glance, I thought "as" referring back to "timing is important", but the predicate is "are")

Philip · Accepted Answer

MapleA number of laboratory tests are available. None is completely sensitive and specific for myocardial infarction, particularly in the hours following onset of symptoms. Timing is important, as are correlation with patient symptoms, electrocardiograms, and angiographic studies. The following tests are available as markers for acute myocardial infarction:

My question is "as" refers to what?

(At first glance, I thought "as" referring back to "timing is important", but the predicate is "are")

= "as well as", "and so are"

CalifJim · Answer

"as" refers to what?

It refers to nothing. "as" is not a referring expression.

Let's simplify the sentence to illustrate the point.

Timing is important, as are electrocardiograms.
= Timing is important, and electrocardiograms are as important (as timing is).
= Timing is important, and electrocardiograms are important, too.

Note that subject-verb inversion applies after as in this structure.

Jerry was invited to the party, as was Mary.
= Jerry was invited to the party, and Mary was invited to the party, too.

CJ

Maple · Answer

I guess it's the phrase "correlation with" had bothered me to comprehend as's usage .

Thank you very much!

"as are" in a sentence

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