In English grammar, prepositions such as ‘as’ can sometimes be tricky. They can have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used. In this article, we’ll focus on the sentence: ‘It is sometimes asserted that there are no significant differences in the mortality rates of different hospitals as one would be led to infer from their great apparent difference in sanitary conditions.’ The goal is to explain the use of ‘as’ in this context and its meaning in English grammar.
1. The Role of ‘As’ in English Sentences
‘As’ is a versatile word in English, and it can serve as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb. In the sentence provided, ‘as’ is used as a conjunction, introducing a comparison between two situations. Here, ‘as’ means ‘in the way that’ or ‘in the same manner that’.
2. Breaking Down the Sentence
In the sentence, ‘as’ connects the clause ‘one would be led to infer from their great apparent difference in sanitary conditions’ to the rest of the sentence. Essentially, it tells us that the inferred conclusion (about the mortality rates) is similar to what one might expect based on the hospitals’ visible sanitary conditions. The word ‘as’ suggests that this inference is logical or reasonable, given the appearance of the hospitals’ cleanliness.
3. Common Uses of ‘As’ for Comparison
In English, ‘as’ is frequently used to compare one thing to another. For example, ‘She sings as beautifully as a bird.’ In the case of the sentence you’re asking about, ‘as’ helps compare the expected inference about mortality rates to the observed differences in sanitary conditions, highlighting a potential contradiction or misperception.
4. Other Examples of ‘As’ in Sentences
To gain a better understanding of ‘as’, let’s look at a few more examples:
- She acted as though she knew the answer. (Used to introduce a manner of action)
- He works as a teacher. (Used to indicate a role or function)
- As I told you earlier, we need to leave by noon. (Used as a conjunction to introduce a reason or explanation)
Conclusion: Understanding ‘As’ in Context
In this context, the word ‘as’ helps make a comparison between two situations — what one might infer from the sanitary conditions of the hospitals and the actual mortality rates. It’s important to understand that ‘as’ in this sentence doesn’t imply exact equality, but rather a comparison of how one might expect something based on visible evidence. Mastering the use of ‘as’ in English can improve your understanding of comparisons, explanations, and logic in both written and spoken language.
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