It’s very common to use the word “as” to mean “because.” But beware. When “as” means “because” it must be preceded by a comma, as in “Sacherevell wrote a book, as he had had a wild adventure in Wales.” When “as” expresses a time relation, it is not preceded by a comma, as in “Edith was putting on earrings as her brothers walked into the room.” When you begin a sentence with a clause that starts with “as,” make sure it’s clear whether “as” is used to mean “because” or “at the time that.” The sentence “As Osbert was leaving, I walked to the door” may mean either “I walked to the door because Osbert was leaving” or “I walked to the door at the same time Osbert was leaving.” It’s the comma – or lack thereof – that makes the meaning clear. |
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