As It Were

Pronunciation: /æz ɪt wər/

Definitions of as it were

adverb used to suggest that a word or phrase is not exactly accurate but is used for the sake of argument or to make a point

Example Sentences

A1 She explained the concept in simple terms, as it were.

A2 The team worked together to solve the problem, as it were.

B1 The project was completed on time, as it were.

B2 The results were impressive, as it were.

C1 His speech was eloquent, as it were.

C2 The painting captured the essence of the scene, as it were.

Examples of as it were in a Sentence

formal The artist used various shades of blue to create a sense of depth in the painting, as it were.

informal I told him to take a break and relax, as it were, but he insisted on finishing the project.

slang She's the boss around here, the queen bee as it were.

figurative The relationship between the two countries is like a delicate dance, each step carefully planned as it were.

Grammatical Forms of as it were

• past tense: as it was
• plural: as they were
• comparative: as it is
• superlative: as it is
• present tense: as it is
• future tense: as it will be
• perfect tense: as it has been
• continuous tense: as it is being
• singular: as it is
• positive degree: as it is
• infinitive: to be as it were
• gerund: being as it were
• participle: having been as it were

Origin and Evolution of as it were

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English, Old Norse, Old French

Story behind the word: The phrase 'as it were' originated from Middle English, influenced by Old Norse and Old French.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to indicate a comparison or approximation, 'as it were' has evolved to be used as a qualifier to soften or make a statement less direct or assertive.