as — Time & Reason
as = at the same time as · just as · as = because · as vs when — Complete Guide
as — Temps et Cause
as = en même temps que · just as · as = parce que · as vs when — Guide Complet
Master as for simultaneous actions, just as for exact coincidences, as = because (= since), and the essential contrast between as and when.
Maîtrisez as pour les actions simultanées, just as pour les coïncidences exactes, as = because (= since), et le contraste essentiel entre as et when.
The conjunction as has two main uses in this unit. First, as = at the same time as: two things happening simultaneously, including as I was doing (past continuous) for interrupted actions, and just as for exact moments. Second, as = because: a causal meaning interchangeable with since. The key challenge is knowing when to use as versus when.
La conjonction as a deux usages principaux. Premièrement, as = en même temps que : deux actions simultanées, y compris le modèle as I was doing (passé continu) pour les actions interrompues, et just as pour les moments exacts. Deuxièmement, as = because : un sens causal interchangeable avec since. Le défi est de savoir quand utiliser as vs when.
as = at the same time as · just as
as = en même temps que · just as
Use as when two things happen at the same time. Use as only when actions overlap — not when one follows another.
Utilisez as quand deux choses se passent en même temps. Utilisez as seulement quand les actions se chevauchent — pas quand l’une suit l’autre.
We all waved goodbye to Liz as she drove away.
As I walked along the street, I looked in the shop windows.
as + past continuous (= something happened in the middle of another action)
Kate slipped as she was getting off the bus.
We met Paul as we were leaving the hotel.
just as = exactly at that moment (precise / surprising coincidence)
Just as I sat down, the doorbell rang.
I had to leave just as the conversation was getting interesting.
as — simultaneous → use as
as — simultané → utiliser as
when — sequential → use when
when — séquentiel → utiliser when
as = because · as vs when (causal use)
as = parce que · as vs when (sens causal)
as also means because — it introduces the reason for the main clause. Interchangeable with since in this use. Compare carefully with when (time) below.
as signifie aussi because / parce que. Interchangeable avec since dans cet usage. Comparez avec when (temps) ci-dessous.
As I was hungry, I decided to find somewhere to eat. (= because)
As it’s late and we’re tired, let’s get a taxi home.
We watched TV all evening as we didn’t have anything better to do.
| as = because | when = during the time / at the time |
|---|---|
| as = parce que | when = pendant le temps / au moment où |
| David wasn’t in the office as he was on holiday. (= because he was on holiday)(= parce qu’il était en vacances) |
David lost his passport when he was on holiday. (= during the time he was away)(= pendant ses vacances) |
| As they lived near us, we saw them often. (= because they lived near us)(= parce qu’ils habitaient près de nous) |
When they lived near us, we saw them often. (= at the time they lived near us)(= quand ils habitaient près de nous) |
Join the sentences using “as” (= at the same time as).
Reliez les phrases avec “as” (= en même temps que).
Join the sentences using “as” (= because) at the start.
Reliez les phrases avec “as” (= parce que) au début.
What does “as” mean here? Write “simultaneous” or “because”.
Que signifie “as” ici ? Écrivez “simultaneous” ou “because”.
Where “as” is wrong, correct it. Write OK if correct.
Là où “as” est incorrect, corrigez-le. Écrivez OK si correct.
Complete with “as” or “when”.
Complétez avec “as” ou “when”.
Frequently Asked Questions — as
Questions fréquentes — as
(1) as = at the same time as: two simultaneous actions — We waved as she drove away. (2) as = because: gives a reason — As I was hungry, I stopped to eat.
(1) as = en même temps que. (2) as = parce que : exprime une raison, interchangeable avec since.
Use as ONLY for simultaneous actions: As I drove home, I listened to music. Use when (not as) for sequential actions (When I got home, I ate) or life periods (when she was a child).
Utilisez as SEULEMENT pour des actions simultanées. Utilisez when pour des actions séquentielles ou des périodes de vie.
Just as = exactly at that moment. It highlights a precise or surprising coincidence: Just as I sat down, the doorbell rang.
Just as = exactement à ce moment-là. Il souligne une coïncidence précise ou surprenante.
Yes, always. As it’s late, let’s go = Since it’s late, let’s go. Both introduce a known or obvious reason.
Oui, toujours. As et since introduisent tous les deux une raison déjà connue ou évidente.
Age and life periods are not simultaneous actions — they are time references. Use when: Julia got married when she was 22. · I lived here when I was a child.
L’âge et les périodes de vie ne sont pas des actions simultanées. Utilisez when pour ces références temporelles.
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