as though

Used to say how something seems, or to compare it with an imagined situation.

• You look as though you need sleep.
• He acted as though nothing had happened.
• She speaks as though she were an expert.

How to use it: as though + clause (He smiled as though he knew a secret.); as though + past tense for an imagined situation (She talks as though she owned the place.)

Similar words: as if

Common phrases: look as though, feel as though, act as though

Used to describe the way something seems by comparing it with a possible or imagined situation.

• It sounds as though someone is outside.
• She stared at me as though surprised.
• The dog lay still as though asleep.

How to use it: as though + clause (It looks as though the rain has stopped.); as though + adjective or participle (He paused as though unsure of the answer.)

Similar words: as if

Common phrases: look as though, seem as though, sound as though