When do I need to put AS?

Question

Hi,I sometimes see a sentence like, "Stick with blue, you'll go home a winner" but don't know why there's  no preposition "as" before a winner. Would you explain when I need to put as and when I shouldn't?Thanks,M

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Usually no 'as' is needed.  That is something I have noticed: learners often insert an unnecessary one.  Offhand, I think it is only needed when making comparisons: 'She is as happy as a clam'.

Mitsuo23 · Answer

The sentences below are from a dictionary, and they are quite understandable to me. Now, sorry but again, when should or shouldn't I put "As"? I don't see the difference.

a) As a parent, I feel that more should be done to protect our children.
b) A flat stone was used as a table.
c) Dad dressed up as Santa Claus.

Thank you,
M

Mister Micawber · Answer

AS:

–adverb

1. to same degree, amount, or extent; similarly; equally: I don't think it's as http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hot and humid today as it was yesterday.

2. for example; for instance: Some , as the rose, require special care.

3. thought to be or considered to be: the square as distinct from the rectangle; the church as separate from the state.

4. in the manner (directed, agreed, promised, etc.): She sang as promised. He left as agreed.

–conjunction

5. (used correlatively after an adjective or adverb preceded by an adverbial phrase, the adverbial as, or another adverb) to such a degree or extent that: It came out the same way as it did before. are as good as you think you are.

6. (without antecedent) in the degree, manner, etc., of or that: She's good as http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gold. Do as we do.

7. at the same that; while; when: as you look away.

8. since; because: As you are leaving last, please turn out the lights.

9. though: Questionable as it may be, we will proceed.

10. with the result or purpose: He said it in a voice so loud as to make everyone stare.

11. Informal . (in dependent clauses) that: I don't know as I do.

12. Midland and Southern U.S. and British Dialect . http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/than

–pronoun

13. (used relatively) that; http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/who; which (usually preceded by such or the same ): I have the same trouble as you had.

14. a fact that: She did her http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/job well, as can be proved by the records.

15. New England, Midland, and Southern U.S. who; whom; which; that: Them as has gets.

–preposition

16. in the role, function, or status of: to as leader.

Look, 'as' has many uses. There is no single rule for its inclusion or omission. It is required in all those sentences you have just listed, so use it in sentences with those structures. It is not used or not necessary in the structures I indicated before. Check the examples under the other definitions for further models. If you are unsure of any specific sentence, please ask.

Mitsuo23 · Answer

I'm not asking about the usage of "as" in general, but asking about "as" as (do I need to put this as here?) a preposition. I listed the three sentences because those structures are, I thought, similar to the one I asked in the first place: Stick with blue, you'll go home a winner.

Now, I don't know why this sentence is not like, you'll go home as a winner, which I would feel more comfortable with.

I see no difference in terms of grammatical structure between "you'll go home a winner" and "A flat stone was used as a table," but I believe "a flat stone was used a table" is incorrect.

Would you tell me why?

Mister Micawber · Answer

You'll go home a winner -- 'Winner' is a noun complement

A flat stone was used as a table-- 'As a table' is an adverb
?

Mitsuo23 · Answer

Umm, I don't know how I should explain what causing me this problem. I guess I should find some other examples that confuses me.

Thanks anyway,
M

Suxuan · Answer

I think 'as' could be use here too...

Mister Micawber · Answer

Used where, suxuan?

When do I need to put AS?

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