SPECIAL REMARKS.
As if.
301. As if is often used as one conjunction of manner, but really there is an ellipsis between the two words; thus,—
But thy soft murmuring
Sounds sweet as if a sister's voice reproved.
—Byron.
If analyzed, the expression would be, "sounds sweet as [the sound would be] if a sister's voice reproved;" as, in this case, expressing degree if taken separately.
But the ellipsis seems to be lost sight of frequently in writing, as is shown by the use of as though.
As though.
302. In Emerson's sentence, "We meet, and part as though we parted not," it cannot be said that there is an ellipsis: it cannot mean "we part as [we should part] though" etc.
Consequently, as if and as though may be taken as double conjunctions expressing manner. As though seems to be in as wide use as the conjunction as if; for example,—
Do you know a farmer who acts and lives as though he believed one word of this?—H. Greeley.