Grammar: ‘As’ – Rules of Date Club

How do you use ‘as’ in English? Lots of ways! Look at the examples in the text and then read the explanations below in the grammar section.

A lot of students have told me that London is the best place to meet people. Although, finding friends is one thing and finding love is another. However, in this huge city there is anything for anyone, and definitely someone for anyone. As Valentine’s Day is coming up, there’s always going to be people who want to find love on this particular day. Finding that person can be difficult, and going on that nervous first date can be very tricky – what do you say, what do you wear etc. This applies not just to students, or Londoners, or foreigners, but to people everywhere in the world.

So if you’re looking for love and have a romantic date coming up this Valentine’s Day, try these rules of Date Club:

The first rule of Date Club is…

You do not talk about yourself all the time. As the opposite sex likes to be the focus of attention, it is good to keep the conversation on them (particularly if you are a woman). Secretly, we’re all egomaniacs and your date would be as pleased as punch at the interest you would give them.

The second rule is…

You do not talk about your Ex-partner. The worst thing to do when on a date is to talk about any previous boyfriends or girlfriends. This would naturally lead to comparisons like, “She/He is not as tall as you” or “You are just the same as him/her”. Your date would be as dead as a doornail.

The third rule is…

If someone seems disinterested within half an hour, call it game over.  It may be that your job as a bartender or life as a student might not be what the other person is looking for. Or maybe there’s just not that initial first spark. Whatever it is, it is as plain as day when someone’s just not interested. It’s different if you have to spend time together, for example working or studying, but usually people do not have that much patience on dates.

The fourth rule is…

Only two people to a first date: just you and your potential love interest. People might say that a double date is better for a first meeting, but unfortunately it will just add that added pressure and prolong any bad dates. As your friend gets the drinks, you could be left alone with the other two who might either ignore you or it could lead to awkward silences. You would have to be as cool as a cucumber to handle two at once.

As Grammar

We can use as in many different ways:

1. To give a reason: “As the opposite sex likes to be the focus of attention it, is good to keep the conversation on them”

2.     To compare people or things: “You are just the same as him/her”

3.     To describe someone or something’s job or function: “your life as a student”

4.     To say that something happens while something else is happening (=when): “As your friend gets the drinks, you could be left alone with the other two”

As Idioms

As pleased as punch

very happy about something

As dead as a doornail

When something is definitely not possible anymore

As plain as day

very simple, understandable

As cool as a cucumber

calm, not nervous

As quiet as a mouse

someone who is very shy and introverted

 
As a bonus, here is a cool song, ‘As‘ sung by George Michael & Mary J Blige. The original version is by Stevie Wonder, but as I couldn’t find a good quality video of Stevie doing it, you’ll have to do with George. Anyway, if you’ve ever wanted to know what a whole club of George Michaels looks like, this is the video for you!
The lyrics (the words to the song) are written out for you under the video…there are lots of uses of ‘as’….as you can see :)
 

George Michael ft Mary J. Blige : As von tartenpion333

AS (by Stevie Wonder)

As around the sun the earth knows she’s revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may
Just as hate knows love’s the cure
You can rest your mind assure
That I’ll be loving you always

As now can’t reveal the mystery of tomorrow
But in passing will grow older every day
Just as all that’s born is new
You know what I say is true
That I’ll be loving you always

CHORUS
(Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky)
Always
(Until the ocean covers every mountain high)
Always
(Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea)
Always
(Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream)

Did you know that true love asks for nothing
No no her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day

Just as time knew to move on since the beginning
And the seasons know exactly when to change
Just as kindness knows no shame
Know through all your joy and pain
That I’ll be loving you always

Posted by Bren Brennan on Feb 13 2012. Filed under Language Rules. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry