as not

USAGE SUMMARY

"as not" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to express something that is contrary to the expected outcome or logical result of a situation. As an example sentence, "I expected him to get the job, but he didn't, as not."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Just as," not "like".

The New York Times

Make it as, not like.

The New York Times

"Four times as many … as," not "than".

The New York Times

AS: Not yet.

Huffington Post

Much as, not much like.

The New York Times

So as not to have regrets.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Technology as means, not end.

The New York Times

Write 8 as VIII, not as IIX.

WikiHow

Write 15 as XV, not as XVX.

WikiHow

Write 99 as LXCIX, not as IC.

WikiHow

Probably not as much".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as not" to introduce a clause that explains the reason for avoiding a particular action or situation. This construction is often used in formal or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as not" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "so as not to" or "in order not to" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as not" functions as an introductory element in a clause, indicating purpose or reason for avoiding something. It typically introduces a subordinate clause explaining the motivation behind an action. This is confirmed by Ludwig and several examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as not" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a clause explaining the reason for avoiding a particular action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts. Though its use is infrequent, it serves to express intention or reason, especially in news, science, and wiki sources. When considering alternative phrasing, be mindful of the level of formality required in the context. Other options include "so that not" or "in order not to", depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as

Reverses the order, emphasizing the negation of comparison.

so that not

Indicates purpose, emphasizing avoidance of a certain outcome.

in order not to

A more formal version emphasizing intention to prevent something.

rather than

Expresses a preference for one thing over another.

instead of

Similar to "rather than", showing substitution.

not quite

Indicates something is close but not fully achieved.

not exactly

Similar to "not quite", specifying imprecision.

without

Indicates absence or lack of something.

as opposed to

Highlights a direct contrast between two things.

contrary to

Introduces something that goes against an expectation or assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "as not" in a sentence?

The phrase "as not" introduces a clause explaining why something is being avoided. For instance, "He left early as not to be caught in traffic" means he left early to avoid traffic.

What phrases are similar to "as not"?

Alternatives include "so that not", "in order not to", or simply "to avoid".

Is "as not" formal or informal?

"As not" is generally considered a formal construction. It is more common in writing than in everyday speech.

When is it appropriate to use "as not" instead of "so as to not"?

"As not" is suitable when a more concise and formal tone is desired. However, "so as to not" may be clearer in some contexts, particularly when clarity is prioritized over brevity.