'As' or 'Has': What's the Difference?

If you are interested in learning about the difference and when to use 'as' or 'has,' you are in luck!

Here is the short answer in case you are in a rush:

• 'As' is an adverb, conjunction, pronoun, preposition, and noun that means for instance, or to the same degree or amount.  
• 'Has' is a noun and the third-person singular present tense form of the verb have, which means to hold and maintain a trait, entitlement, characteristic, privilege, or possession. 

While the above answer gives you an overview, there is much more to learn. So, keep reading to find out exactly how and when to use each term.

What's the Difference Between 'As' and 'Has?'

Although 'as' and 'has' sound similar, they have different meanings and functions. 'As' is an adverb, pronoun, preposition, and noun that means to the same degree or for instance.

'Has' is a third-person singular present tense verb, that means to possess, hold, or maintain something. It can also be a noun that means a group or person who is well-endowed in material wealth or privilege.

Definition of 'As': What Does 'As' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'as' as an adverb that means:

• To the same amount, severity, or degree
• Such as or for instance
• Used before a preposition or participle to indicate when something is considered in a specific relation or form

'As' is also a conjunction that means:

• In or to the same degree
• In the way or manner
• In accordance with the way in which
• When or while
• As though, regardless of the degree
• Because or since
• For the reason that
• Used to indicate the degree of the result

As a pronoun, 'as' means:

• Who, that, or which when used after such or same
• A fact that

'As' is also a preposition defined as:

• In the role, condition, capacity, or character of

'As' is also occasionally used as a noun for:

• A bronze coin from the ancient Roman Republic

Definition of 'Has': What Does 'Has' Mean?

The same resource defines 'has' as:

• The third-person present tense is the singular form of the verb have.

Have means:

• To hold or maintain the privilege, entitlement, possession, or use of something
• To hold at one's disposal
• To contain or include as a part or whole
• To stand in relation to
• To accept or receive
• To be characterized or marked by a trait, characteristic, or attribute
• To show or exhibit
• To experience through suffering or undergoing
• Exercise or use
• To make the effort to engage or perform an action or activity

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'As' and 'Has'

Pronunciation is an essential part of learning a new language. However, learning the correct pronunciation of terms also improves the reading, writing, and communication skills of native speakers.

So, here is a guide you can reference when pronouncing 'as' or 'has.'

• Use this phonetic spelling to accurately pronounce 'as':

az

• Use this phonetic spelling to accurately pronounce 'has':

haz

When and How to Use 'As' vs. 'Has'

You learned how to pronounce 'as' or 'has.' However, knowing when and how to use each term may still be challenging. So, here are some tips to help you determine which to use.

• Use 'as' to compare something or someone to another.

For example, you might hear me say:

I do not think I will ever be as good as Sally at sports. 

• Use 'as' to say in this way or for instance.

As an example, you could say:

As a manager, it is important to consider the needs of your organization, team, and customers. 

• Use 'has' to show someone possesses an object, trait, feature, or ideology.

So, you could say:

Do you know if your boss has the proposal I sent her last week?

• Use 'has' to ask if an event, point, or goal has been reached.

As an example, you can say:

Has the officer been by to take your statement about what happened while we were on vacation?

Sample Sentences Using 'As' and 'Has'

Now that you comprehensively understand how to use and define these terms read these sample sentences. They should help you remember what you've learned.

As

• As a troop leader, you are responsible for the safety and welfare of more than 20 children.
• We will never be as good as our competitors if we do not start practicing and learning new routines.
• If you are as knowledgeable as you say, you should have no problem passing the exam.
• After working as a full-time employee for more than ten years, I enjoy my freelance job. It gives me the flexibility I need to spend as much time with my family as I want.
• As long as you pay attention to the road signs, you should not miss your exit.

Has

• If he has suggestions, why doesn't he share them with the rest of the team?
• Will you ask Janice to clean the bathroom? It has not been cleaned all week, and customers are complaining about the smell.
• Do you want this old bike? It has been used by both of my kids, but it is still in excellent condition.
• I wouldn't eat before the event. In the past, Mrs. Caroline has always served a delectable dinner. You will not want to miss it.
• If he has not returned your call by 5 p.m., you should call him again. Maybe he forgot that he is supposed to meet you tonight.

Final Review: 'As' or 'Has'

Congratulations, you've read this entire lesson. So, let's review what you learned about the difference between 'as' and 'has':

• 'As' is an adverb, conjunction, preposition, pronoun, and noun used to compare objects or show how a person, idea, task, or object is presented. 
• 'Has' is the third person singular past tense form of the verb have, which is used to show that something or someone has possession of something or has experienced something specific. 

These are two of the most used terms in the English language. So, if you ever need a reminder of their meanings or how to use them, you can always return to this lesson.

You can also learn about other terms like these in the confusing words section. So, if you are unsure how to use other words, check them out before you go.