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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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August 04, 2008
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Why "Word Wise"?
- When I started to e-mail out a weekly writing tip to my Chicago colleagues at Edelman in 2002, little did I know how quickly how many people outside my office would start to request it. But word spread, as word is wont to do, and in 2006 the e-mail evolved into this blog. The tips, which are about grammar, usage and style, have a dual purpose – to remind my colleagues in PR of the power of the written word and, more generally, to support and perpetuate clear, concise, creative, honest, lively, stylish, compelling writing everywhere. In 2009 I started to add commentary about and links to stories and other blog posts related to the media, marketing, writing and, sometimes, just interesting stuff. For some reason, I also started Twittering (at SantowDan).
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