What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to say that two things are equal using as...as and say that they are not equal using not as...as.
When do I use it?
Use as + adjective + as to say two things are at the same level. Use not as + adjective + as to say one thing has less of a quality than the other.
- This bag is as heavy as that one. (They weigh the same)
- This bag is not as heavy as that one. (It weighs less)
- My coffee is as hot as yours.
You can also use the pattern with nouns and quantities: as much money as, as many friends as, as quickly as. For negative comparison, not as...as is much more common than "less...than" in everyday English.
How do I form it?
as + adjective/adverb + as
Subject + verb + as + adjective + as + noun. Example: English is not as difficult as German.
For the negative, simply put not before the first as: This test is not as easy as the last one.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Three Spanish-transfer traps. First, adding a comparative inside the pattern: "as taller as" instead of "as tall as" — the adjective stays in its base form. Second, dropping the second "as": learners translate "tan alto" as "so tall" and write "My brother is as tall with me", but English needs "as tall as me". Third, using "more/less" with the pattern: "not more difficult as" should be "not as difficult as". Keep both "as" words.
Think of as...as as two parallel walls with the base adjective in between. Do not add -er or "more".
Practice
Multiple Choice
A2Which sentence means the two cars are the same speed?
Fill in the Blank
A2This book is not as as the movie.
Hint: Put the base adjective between the two 'as' words.
Find the Error
A2Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A2