as though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as though" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a comparison or to suggest that something is true in a hypothetical or imagined situation. Example: "She looked at him as though he had just told her the most outrageous lie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's as though suddenly I'm 19 again.

Forbes

BLOOM! look as though they're going places.

Independent

Evidently, as, though for all.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

She hiccupped, as though hyperventilating.

The New Yorker

As Though She Were Sleeping.

The Economist

As though it didn't happen.

The New Yorker

(As though he had to be encouraged).

The New York Times

He looks as though he is dying.

Independent

It's as though catharsis equals art".

The New York Times - Magazine

As though they were hazardous objects".

The New Yorker

As though fresh silicone might be better.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When choosing between "as though" and "as if", consider the formality of the context. "As though" is generally perceived as slightly more formal, but both are widely accepted.

Common error

Avoid using "though" in place of "as though" when you intend to create a comparison or describe something that appears to be true but may not be. "Though" simply indicates contrast or concession, not resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as though" functions as a conjunction, specifically introducing an adverbial clause of manner. It indicates a comparison or a hypothetical situation, describing how something appears or is done. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where "as though" links a main clause with a clause expressing a resemblance or supposition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as though" is a versatile conjunction used to introduce adverbial clauses of manner, indicating a sense of seeming or appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance across various contexts. It's commonly used in News & Media, providing a way to add nuance to descriptions and comparisons. While largely interchangeable with "as if", understanding the subtle differences and avoiding common errors, such as confusing it with "though", can enhance writing precision. Use it to create vivid comparisons and hypothetical scenarios, enriching your prose with subtle implications. Remember, the goal is to suggest a resemblance without explicitly stating it as fact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as if

This alternative is a direct synonym and can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

as if it were

This alternative emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the comparison.

as it would be

This alternative suggests a conditional or hypothetical scenario.

like

This alternative is more informal but conveys a similar sense of seeming or resembling.

seeming to be

This alternative simplifies the structure while retaining the core meaning of appearing as something.

in a manner that suggests

This alternative is more formal and explicitly states the suggestive quality.

to all appearances

This alternative emphasizes the outward or visible indications.

in such a way as to imply

This alternative focuses on the implication or indirect communication.

on the face of it

This alternative focuses on the superficial appearance or initial impression.

ostensibly

This alternative implies a potential discrepancy between appearance and reality.

FAQs

How can I use "as though" in a sentence?

Use "as though" to indicate a resemblance or comparison, suggesting something is similar to something else. For instance, "He acted "as though" nothing had happened" implies he behaved in a way that suggested indifference.

Is there a difference between "as though" and "as if"?

The phrases "as though" and "as if" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. "As if" is slightly more common, but ""as though"" is also perfectly acceptable.

What phrases are similar to "as though"?

Similar phrases include "like", "as if", and "seeming to be". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Can I use "as though" to describe something that is definitely not true?

Yes, ""as though"" is often used to describe situations that are hypothetical or contrary to fact. For example, "She spoke "as though" she knew everything" even if she actually knew very little.