as if
The phrase 'as if' is commonly used to introduce hypothetical scenarios, express doubt, or describe behaviors and appearances.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(hypothetical, conditional)Used to describe a situation that is imagined or not real.
Example
- He spoke to her as if he had known her for years.
- She smiled as if nothing had happened.
C1Informal
(skeptical, incredulous)Used to express disbelief or to mock a statement.
Example
- You think you're getting a promotion? As if!
- He claimed he could run a marathon, as if!
B2Descriptive
(comparative)Used to describe how something appears or behaves in a manner suggesting a certain condition.
Example
- She acted as if she were the boss.
- The clouds looked as if they were painted on the sky.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "as if":
as it wereso asas it iseven aseven ifjust like thatlike thatas onewhat ifas good asso much asif only