In English, the word ‘as’ is often used in a variety of ways, some of which can be confusing, especially when it seems to take on a contradictory or unexpected meaning. One such case arises in sentences like ‘Even when the sexism is not built into the grammar and usage, as it is in French and English, the speech community often regards masculine values as the norm.’ This may raise a question: why does ‘as’ not indicate contrast in this case, and why isn’t something like ‘as though’ more appropriate?
1. The Different Roles of ‘As’ in English
‘As’ is a versatile word in English that can serve different functions. It can be used as a conjunction, preposition, or even an adverb, depending on the context. For example, ‘as’ can introduce comparisons (e.g., ‘She is as tall as him’), reasons (e.g., ‘He acted as if he knew the answer’), and simultaneous actions (e.g., ‘He left as I entered’). It can also be used to indicate identity or function (e.g., ‘He worked as a teacher’).
In the case of the sentence mentioned, ‘as’ is being used to express a comparison or equivalence, not a contrast. This explains why ‘as’ doesn’t indicate an opposite relationship but instead highlights the comparison between two languages or grammatical structures.
2. Why ‘As’ Does Not Always Indicate Contrast
In English, not every use of ‘as’ implies contrast. The confusion may arise from the fact that ‘as’ is often associated with words that are used to show contrasts, such as ‘though’ or ‘but’. However, ‘as’ can also introduce equivalence, identity, or reasons, depending on the sentence’s structure. In this case, ‘as’ connects the phrase ‘masculine values’ with the preceding idea about sexism, indicating that masculine values are being regarded as the norm, similar to how sexism is structured in other languages.
‘As though’ is a more specific expression that indicates a hypothetical situation or something imagined, often used to describe an action that seems unreal. In contrast, the original sentence requires a comparison between the two situations (the sexism in language and the way masculine values are regarded) rather than an imaginary situation.
3. When to Use ‘As Though’ vs ‘As’
While ‘as’ is used to indicate comparison, ‘as though’ is used to describe an imagined or hypothetical state. For instance, you might say ‘He looked as though he had seen a ghost’ to imply that his reaction was similar to what would be expected if he had seen a ghost. This usage doesn’t suggest a direct comparison, but rather a hypothetical or imagined condition.
In contrast, in the original sentence, we are not imagining or hypothesizing about the sexism or values in question; we are comparing real-world social phenomena. Therefore, ‘as’ is the appropriate choice, as it emphasizes the comparison between these elements.
4. Conclusion: The Importance of Context in English Usage
English is full of nuances and complexities, especially when it comes to words like ‘as’. The confusion often arises from its multiple meanings, which can vary based on context. In the case of ‘Even when the sexism is not built into the grammar and usage…’, ‘as’ functions to draw a comparison, not to indicate a contrast. Understanding how ‘as’ operates in different contexts is crucial for mastering its usage and avoiding confusion.
Ultimately, the choice between ‘as’ and ‘as though’ depends on the sentence’s meaning. While ‘as though’ introduces a hypothetical or imagined condition, ‘as’ serves to compare or link real-world situations, making it the correct choice in this context.
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