427. For even if in concessive clauses, see [§ 399]; for as if in clauses of comparison, see [§ 428]; for if (in the sense of whether) in indirect questions, see [§ 442].
VII. CLAUSES OF COMPARISON
428. An adverbial clause introduced by as if may express comparison.[45]
- You speak as if you were angry.[46]
- He breathes as if he were exhausted.
- She cared for me as if I had been her son.
As though is also used, but as if is now preferred by most writers.
The subjunctive were, not the indicative was, is used after as if ([§ 282]).
429. As and than, as subordinate conjunctions, introduce clauses of comparison or degree.
- You are as old as he [is].
- I am younger than you [are].
- He weighs as much as I [weigh].
- I pity you more than [I pity] her.
When the verb is omitted, the substantive that follows as or than is in the same case in which it would stand if the verb were expressed. Thus,—
- You are stronger than he. [Not: than him.]
- I see you oftener than him. [Not: than he.]
- He plays a better game than I. [Not: than me.]
- They will miss John more than me. [That is: more than they miss me.]