Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (11 page)

as I was saying
AND
like I was saying
to repeat what I've been saying; to continue with what I was saying. (The first form is
appropriate in any conversation. The second form is colloquial, informal, and familiar. In addition, this use of
like
for
as
, as in the second form, is objected to by many people.)
B
ILL
: Now, Mary, this is one of the round ones that attaches to the wire here. B
OB
(passing through the room): Hello, you two! Catch you later. B
ILL
: Yeah, see you around. Now, as I was saying, this goes here on this wire.
T
OM
: I hate to interrupt, but someone's car is being broken into down on the street. F
RED
: As I was saying, these illegal practices must stop.

As if (I cared)
!
Go to Like I care!

as it is
the way things are; the way it is now.
“I wish I could get a better job,” remarked Tom. “I'm just getting by as it is.
”
M
ARY
: Can we afford a new refrigerator? F
RED
: As it is, it would have to be a very small one.

(as) like(ly) as not
equally likely and not likely.
Like as not, John will not be here for the meeting.
Q: Do you think she'll be on time? A: As likely as not, because she has to stop by the candy store.

as such
authentic; in the way just mentioned; as one would expect.
A
LICE
: Did you have a good vacation? J
OHN
: Well, sort of. It wasn't a vacation, as such. We just went and visited Mary's parents. A
LICE
: That sounds nice. J
OHN
: Doesn't it.
A
NDREW
: Someone said you bought a beach house. H
ENRY
: Well, it's certainly not a beach house, as such. More like a duck blind, in fact.

as to
someone or something
AND
as for
someone or something regarding someone or something; having to do with someone or something.
As for Charles, someone needs to explain to him how important it is that we all work together.
As for dessert, would apple pie with ice cream be okay?

as we speak
just now; at this very moment. (This has almost reached cliché status.)
“I'm sorry, sir,” consoled the agent at the gate, “the plane is taking off as we speak.
”
T
OM
: Waiter, where is my steak? It's taking a long time. W
AITER
: It is being grilled as we speak, sir—just as you requested.