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Conjunctions And Semicolons – Quiz 1
Conjunctions And Semicolons Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the correct usage of conjunctions and semicolons in English sentences, including their use in lists, reported speech, and compound sentences. It tests understanding of colon usage to introduce lists and enhance sentence clarity, as well as proper punctuation rules for various grammatical structures.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Last week, Theodore, who is an extremely conscientious student, won a $ 10, 000 scholarship; his parents are incredibly proud.
A) Scholarship:parents.
B) NO CHANGE.
C) Scholarship, parents.
D) Student won.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses a semicolon to connect two independent clauses: "Last week, Theodore, who is an extremely conscientious student, won a $10,000 scholarship" and "his parents are incredibly proud." The correct answer is
B) NO CHANGE
because the semicolon usage is appropriate for joining these related ideas without needing additional conjunctions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; it suggests adding a comma, which would change the sentence structure and meaning.
Option B:
Correct; no change needed as the semicolon usage is proper.
Option C:
Incorrect; it implies splitting the sentence with a comma, which would create a run-on sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect; it suggests removing "Student won," but this does not address the correct use of the semicolon.
2.
I fight a lot with my brother ..... but I still love him.
A) And.
B) Or.
C) But.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction "But" is used to connect two contrasting ideas in a sentence, which fits the context of fighting with your brother but still loving him. This demonstrates a contrast between actions and feelings.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And - would indicate addition or sequence, not contrast.
Option B:
Or - suggests choice or alternative, not contrast in this context.
Option C:
But - correctly indicates a contrast between fighting and loving your brother.
Option D:
None of above - incorrect as "But" is the correct answer.
3.
We went to the store and bought bread, milk, and eggs.
A) Bought:.
B) Bought,.
C) Bought;.
D) Bought.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Bought.
In this sentence, the items bought (bread, milk, and eggs) are simple list items without additional clauses or complex relationships that would require conjunctions like "and" or semicolons. Therefore, a period at the end of "Bought" is appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it lacks punctuation to conclude the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect for the same reason as Option A; a comma does not properly end the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect because a semicolon is unnecessary and would imply that "Bought" should be followed by more complex information or clauses, which it is not in this case.
Option D:
Correct as it uses a period to properly conclude the simple statement of what was bought.
4.
Which sentence correctly uses the semicolon and a conjunctive adverb?
A) Vicki loved climbing mountains, therefore, she decided to vacation in Yosemite, where opportunities to rock climb and mountain climb abound.
B) Vicki loved climbing mountains; therefore, she decided to vacation in Yosemite, where opportunities to rock climb and mountain climb abound.
C) Vicki loved climbing mountains therefore she decided to vacation in Yosemite; where, opportunities to rock climb and mountain climb abound.
D) Vicki loved climbing mountains therefore, she decided to vacation in Yosemite. Where opportunities to rock climb and mountain climb abound.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B correctly uses a semicolon to separate two independent clauses and includes the conjunctive adverb "therefore" properly placed after the semicolon, followed by a comma. This adheres to the rules of using semicolons with conjunctive adverbs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect placement of the conjunctive adverb; it should follow the semicolon.
Option B:
Correct use of a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb.
Option C:
Improper punctuation; the semicolon is missing, and "therefore" is incorrectly placed at the end of the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect placement of the period instead of a semicolon, and "where" is used improperly as an introductory element without proper punctuation.
5.
Which punctuation mark do I used before a list of items?
A) Semicolon.
B) Colon.
C) Comma.
D) None of the Above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A colon is used before a list of items to introduce the list, indicating that what follows will be an explanation or elaboration of the subject mentioned previously.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Semicolons are used to separate elements in a series when those elements already contain commas. Not applicable here.
Option B:
Correct. A colon introduces a list or an explanation/elaboration of the preceding idea.
Option C:
Commas are used within items in a list, not before introducing one. Not applicable here.
Option D:
Incorrect as a colon is indeed needed for this purpose.
6.
If you get your homework done early, you may have extra time to watch TV ..... or you can play video games.
A) Colon.
B) Comma.
C) Semicolon.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If you get your homework done early, you may have extra time to watch TV..... or you can play video games." uses a list of alternatives connected by the word "or". In English grammar, when two independent clauses are joined by coordinating conjunctions like "and", "but", "or", "nor", "for", "so", and "yet", a comma is typically used to separate items in a series or lists. However, since these are not independent clauses but alternatives, a comma is appropriate here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Colon is incorrect because it's used for introducing a list or explanation, not separating alternatives.
Option B:
Comma is correct as it properly separates the two alternatives in the sentence.
Option C:
Semicolon is incorrect here since semicolons are used to connect independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences. These phrases cannot stand alone and need a coordinating conjunction or comma.
Option D:
None of above is incorrect because Option B is correct.
7.
Do you like this yellow dress ..... the red one?
A) And.
B) Or.
C) But.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Do you like this yellow dress ... the red one?" is a choice between two options, indicating an alternative. The conjunction "or" (Option B) correctly connects these alternatives, making it the appropriate choice here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
And - used to connect items in a series or for adding information.
Option B:
Or - used to indicate a choice between options.
Option C:
But - used to introduce a contrast or contradiction, which is not applicable here.
Option D:
None of above - incorrect as "or" fits the context well.
8.
Which of the answer choices below correctly combines these two sentences into one? I sprinted to the library. It was closed.
A) I sprinted to the library, though it was closed.
B) I sprinted to the library, it was closed.
C) Though I sprinted to the library it was closed.
D) I sprinted to the library; it was closed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D correctly combines the two sentences using a semicolon, which is appropriate for connecting independent clauses that are closely related in thought but could stand as separate sentences. The semicolon effectively conveys that both actions (sprinting to the library and it being closed) are presented as facts without needing an additional conjunction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Though is a conjunctive adverb, which can be used here but is not necessary since a semicolon works well. The comma after "though" is also unnecessary.
Option B:
It uses two separate sentences with only a minor conjunction ("it"), making the connection less strong than using a semicolon.
Option C:
Though it starts with a conjunctive adverb, its placement makes the sentence structure awkward and less clear. The comma after "though" is also unnecessary.
Option D:
Correct use of a semicolon to connect two independent clauses smoothly.
9.
I bought a pen ..... a ruler.
A) And.
B) Or.
C) But.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I bought a pen ... a ruler." uses an ellipsis instead of a conjunction, but the claimed correct answer suggests using "And" to connect two related items. This is appropriate because "and" is used to link words, phrases, or clauses that are closely related in meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "And" connects items in a list.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Or" would imply choice between items.
Option C:
Incorrect. "But" introduces contrast, not continuation.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
10.
Julie was thoroughly confused:she couldn't figure out where she put her car keys.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Confused, she.
C) Confused she,.
D) Confused she.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Julie was thoroughly confused: she couldn't figure out where she put her car keys." is grammatically correct as it stands, making Option A the appropriate choice for no change.
Option B introduces a comma and a conjunction ("Confused, she"), which is unnecessary in this case. The colon properly separates the two related clauses without needing an additional conjunction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct; no change needed.
Option B:
Incorrect; adds a comma and conjunction that are not necessary.
Option C:
Incorrect; improper punctuation placement.
Option D:
Incorrect; improperly combines the clauses without a conjunction or semicolon.
11.
What words are being joined by the conjunction in the sentence below? Travis and Justin are using the class atlas.
A) Justin:are.
B) Travis:are using.
C) Travis:Justin.
D) Travis:atlas.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction "and" in the sentence "Travis and Justin are using the class atlas." joins two proper nouns, Travis and Justin.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The conjunction does not join a name with a verb.
Option B:
Incorrect. The conjunction does not join a name with an action phrase.
Option C:
Correct. The conjunction joins the two subjects, Travis and Justin.
Option D:
Incorrect. The conjunction does not join a name with a noun.
12.
The students were studying for their history test ..... it covers everything from the 1850's to the present.
A) Comma.
B) Colon.
C) Semicolon.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A semicolon is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought, but could stand as sentences on their own. In the given sentence, "The students were studying for their history test" and "it covers everything from the 1850's to the present" are two independent clauses that can be connected by a semicolon because they are closely related.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Comma is used to separate items in a list or to set off non-essential information, not for connecting independent clauses.
Option B:
Colon introduces a list, explanation, or example and does not connect two independent clauses directly.
Option C:
Semicolon is correct as it connects the two related independent clauses in this sentence.
Option D:
None of above is incorrect since semicolon fits the context well.
13.
What words are being joined by the conjunction in the sentence below? The sky was overcast and hazy for the track meet.
A) Overcast:hazy.
B) Sky:overcast.
C) Overcast:track meet.
D) Sky:track meet.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction "and" in the sentence joins two adjectives: "overcast" and "hazy." These describe the state of the sky, making Option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Overcast and hazy are joined by "and," describing the same subject (the sky).
Option B:
Sky and overcast describe different subjects; they should be connected with a comma, not a conjunction.
Option C:
Overcast and track meet have no logical connection via "and"; they are unrelated concepts in the sentence.
Option D:
Sky and track meet describe different subjects; they should be connected with a comma, not a conjunction.
14.
Which punctuation mark do I use before a long, formal statement or quotation?
A) Semicolon.
B) Colon.
C) Comma.
D) None of the Above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A colon is used before a long, formal statement or quotation to introduce it clearly and formally. This punctuation mark emphasizes the connection between the introductory phrase and what follows.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Semicolons are used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought; they do not introduce a long statement or quotation.
Option B:
Correct. Colon introduces a formal statement or quotation, making the connection between the introductory phrase and what follows clear.
Option C:
Commas are used for separating elements within a list or before conjunctions in compound sentences; they do not introduce long statements or quotations formally.
Option D:
Not applicable as a colon is indeed the correct choice here.
15.
Name the conjunction in the sentence below.Did Mr. Zold study wildlife in South Africa or in Zimbabwe?
A) In.
B) Did.
C) Or.
D) Mr.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction in the sentence "Did Mr. Zold study wildlife in South Africa or in Zimbabwe?" is
or
. Conjunctions are words that connect other parts of a sentence, and in this case, "or" connects two alternative locations.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In - This preposition does not connect the alternatives.
Option B:
Did - This is a verb used to form questions; it does not act as a conjunction here.
Option C:
Or - Correct, this conjunction connects the two alternative locations.
Option D:
Mr. - This is a title and does not function as a conjunction.
16.
After which word should a colon be inserted? The girls requested breakfast pancakes, sausage, and orange juice.
A) Requested.
B) Breakfast.
C) Sausage.
D) Girls.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or example that follows the introductory phrase. In this sentence, "breakfast" introduces the items in the list: pancakes, sausage, and orange juice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Requested" does not introduce a list.
Option B:
Correct. "Breakfast" introduces the list of food items.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Sausage" is part of the list, not an introduction to it.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Girls" does not introduce a list in this context.
17.
Identify the conjunction in the sentence? Konner can not sing, nor can he dance.
A) Can.
B) Not.
C) Nor.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Nor is a coordinating conjunction used to connect two negative clauses in the sentence "Konner can not sing, nor can he dance." It links two independent clauses that both express inability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can. - This is a verb and not a conjunction.
Option B:
Not. - This is part of the negative verb "can not" but not a conjunction itself.
Option C:
Nor. - Correct, as it connects two independent clauses expressing similar ideas.
Option D:
None of above. - Incorrect since Option C is correct.
18.
Identify the conjunction in the sentence? Bodie knows how to write in cursive, however he prefers to print.
A) However.
B) How.
C) Prefers.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction in the sentence is "however." Conjunctions are words that connect parts of a sentence, and "however" serves this purpose by linking two independent clauses: "Bodie knows how to write in cursive" and "he prefers to print."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "However" is the conjunction connecting the two clauses.
Option B:
Incorrect. "How" is not a conjunction; it's an interrogative adverb used in questions or exclamations.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Prefers" is a verb, not a conjunction.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
Where does the colon go in the following sentence? Senator Gary Hawkins said the following "We must stop cutbacks in education, sanitation, and welfare."
A) After following.
B) After Senator.
C) After cutbacks.
D) After Hawkins.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Senator Gary Hawkins said the following 'We must stop cutbacks in education, sanitation, and welfare.'" contains a reported speech that is not a complete sentence but rather an incomplete thought or list of items. In such cases, no colon is needed to separate the reporting clause from the quoted content.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The sentence does not require a colon after "following" as it's part of the reported speech and not introducing a list or complete statement.
Option B:
Correct. No colon is needed in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence structure does not necessitate a colon after "cutbacks."
Option D:
Incorrect. There's no need for a colon after "Hawkins" as it’s part of the reporting clause and not introducing a new element.
20.
Asyikin is very talented; she can play both piano ..... guitar.
A) And.
B) Or.
C) But.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Asyikin is very talented; she can play both piano ... guitar." requires a conjunction to connect the two activities mentioned (playing the piano and playing the guitar). The correct conjunction in this context is "and," as it indicates that both actions are performed by Asyikin. Therefore, Option A) And is the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "And" connects two related activities.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Or" would imply a choice between playing the piano or guitar, which does not fit the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "But" introduces contrast, which is not present in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. A semicolon alone cannot connect these two activities as effectively as a conjunction can.
21.
Which sentence shows an example of a subordinating conjunction?
A) Mrs. Nelson eats apples and carrots every day.
B) Either you go, or I will.
C) After the mall, I took a nap.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C, "After the mall, I took a nap," is correct because it uses the subordinating conjunction "after" to connect two clauses: "After the mall" and "I took a nap." This sentence demonstrates how a subordinating conjunction can introduce a dependent clause that provides additional information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence uses coordinating conjunctions ("and") but does not contain a subordinating conjunction.
Option B:
This sentence uses coordinating conjunctions ("or") and does not include a subordinating conjunction.
Option C:
Correct. Uses "after" to introduce a dependent clause.
Option D:
Not applicable as Option C is correct.
22.
Which of the choices below is correct for the underlined portion? Humans have been consuming coffee for centuries. Coffee houses exploded in popularity during the Colonial Era. Although they were protested by clergy and women there were still over 2, 000 of them in London in the 17th and 18th centuries.
A) Although they were protested by clergy and women, there.
B) Although, they were protested by clergy and women there.
C) Although they were protest by clergy, and women there.
D) NO CHANGE.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it properly uses the conjunction "Although" to connect two clauses, maintaining a smooth flow in the sentence. The phrase "there" at the end of Option A is necessary to indicate the location where these coffee houses were prevalent.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "Although" and includes "there" for proper placement.
Option B:
Commas are unnecessary here, making it grammatically incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect verb form "protest" should be "were protested." The conjunction order is also wrong.
Option D:
No change would make the sentence incomplete and unclear.
23.
We packed the car with supplies for our trip ..... food, tent, and camping gear.
A) Semicolon.
B) Comma.
C) Colon.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A colon is used to introduce a list, and in this sentence, it correctly introduces the items being packed: food, tent, and camping gear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Semicolons are used to connect independent clauses or items in a series when those items contain commas. This is not applicable here.
Option B:
Commas are used within the list, but they do not introduce it; thus, a colon is needed for that purpose.
Option C:
Correct: A colon introduces the list of items being packed in the sentence.
Option D:
Not applicable as one of the options (C) is correct.
24.
My good friend Shauna has a lot of dogs:named Bubbles, Mr. Waffles, and Skittles.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Dogs, which are named Bubbles.
C) Dogs:Bubbles.
D) Dogs named Bubbles.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Dogs:Bubbles. This option uses a colon to introduce the list of dog names, which is appropriate when presenting items in a series after introducing a category. The use of a colon here serves as a conjunction that introduces the specific examples (Bubbles, Mr. Waffles, and Skittles) related to the general term "Dogs."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change implies no modification, which is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option B:
This option incorrectly starts with "Dogs," making it a run-on sentence without proper conjunction or punctuation.
Option C:
Correct use of a colon to introduce the list of dog names, adhering to grammatical rules for conjunctions and semicolons.
Option D:
This option omits "Dogs" before the name Bubbles, making it incomplete and incorrect in this context.
25.
Choose the correct conjunction to complete the sentence below.I know the answer, ..... I can't tell you.
A) Or.
B) But.
C) Also.
D) Through.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The conjunction "but" is correct because it indicates a contrast between two ideas: knowing the answer and not being able to tell others about it. This shows that despite having knowledge, there's an obstacle preventing disclosure of this information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Or - Implies addition or choice, which doesn't fit the context.
Option B:
But - Indicates contrast, fitting the sentence structure and meaning perfectly.
Option C:
Also - Suggests additional information, not a contrasting idea.
Option D:
Through - Introduces a means or method, which is inappropriate here.
26.
Which punctuation mark do I use between titles and subtitles? (Peru The Land of the Incas)
A) Colon.
B) No Punctuation.
C) Semicolon.
D) Comma.
Show Answer
Explanations:
A colon is used to introduce a subtitle when the title and subtitle are closely related, providing additional information or explanation about the main topic.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Colon introduces subtitles in titles.
Option B:
Incorrect. No punctuation is not standard practice for separating a title and subtitle.
Option C:
Incorrect. Semicolons are used to connect independent clauses, not for introducing subtitles.
Option D:
Incorrect. A comma would be too informal for this purpose.
27.
Which subordinating conjunction best completes the meaning of this sentence? Maria thought carefully ..... her teacher waited for her answer.
A) If.
B) After.
C) Before.
D) Before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Maria thought carefully
before
her teacher waited for her answer" indicates a sequence of events where one action (thinking) happens prior to another (waiting). The subordinating conjunction "before" correctly shows that Maria's careful thinking occurred first, followed by the teacher waiting.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
If - Incorrect. "If" introduces a conditional clause, which is not applicable here as there’s no condition being expressed.
Option B:
After - Incorrect. "After" would imply that the teacher waited after Maria had finished thinking, but this order of events is reversed in the sentence.
Option C:
Before - Correct. This conjunction accurately represents the sequence where Maria thinks first and then the teacher waits for her answer.
Option D:
Before - Duplicate correct option, same as Option C.
28.
Even the tempo changes musicians play in three-quarter, double, or common time, depending on their instrument.
A) NO CHANGE.
B) Changes, and.
C) Changes,.
D) Changes but.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the conjunction "and" to properly connect two independent clauses: "Even the tempo changes" and "musicians play in three-quarter, double, or common time, depending on their instrument." This maintains a smooth flow of ideas without requiring any additional punctuation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change needed; this option is not applicable as the sentence requires modification.
Option B:
Correct use of "and" to connect independent clauses.
Option C:
Missing a conjunction, which disrupts the flow between two ideas.
Option D:
Uses "but," which would imply contrast rather than continuation or addition.
29.
Where does the colon go in the following sentence? You will need these supplies glue, scissors, and paste.
A) After will.
B) After supplies.
C) Afer paste.
D) After glue.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The colon is used to introduce a list of items when the introductory phrase is followed by an independent clause. In this sentence, "You will need these supplies" is the independent clause, and it introduces the list of items: glue, scissors, and paste.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The colon should not be placed after "will."
Option B:
Correct. The colon properly separates the introductory phrase from the list of supplies.
Option C:
Incorrect. This placement is not appropriate for a colon usage in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Placing the colon after "glue" would be incorrect and disrupt the sentence structure.
30.
Which of these sentences uses correct punctuation for the underlined portion? In 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won both the 100-and 200-meter dash moreover, he became the first man in Olympic history to hold the world record for both events.
A) In 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won both the 100-and 200-meter dash moreover; he became the first man in Olympic history to hold the world record for both events.
B) In 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won both the 100-and 200-meter dash, moreover, he became the first man in Olympic history to hold the world record for both events.
C) In 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt won both the 100-and 200-meter dash; moreover, he became the first man in Olympic history to hold the world record for both events.
D) None of above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C uses the correct punctuation with a semicolon to separate two independent clauses and "moreover" as a coordinating conjunction, which is appropriate in this context. Semicolons are used to connect closely related independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences but are closely linked in meaning.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The use of a semicolon before "moreover" is incorrect; "moreover" can function as a coordinating conjunction without a preceding semicolon.
Option B:
Commas are used instead of a semicolon, which is incorrect for connecting two independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences.
Option C:
Correct use of a semicolon and "moreover" as a coordinating conjunction.
Option D:
Incorrect; Option C is the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are conjunctions and semicolons used for in writing?
Conjunctions connect words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence to show relationships between them. Semicolons are used to separate closely related independent clauses that could stand as sentences on their own, often when they are connected by conjunctive adverbs.
How do you introduce a list in writing?
Lists can be introduced using colons after an independent clause. For example, "The ingredients are: flour, sugar, and eggs." Alternatively, semicolons can separate items in a list when the items themselves contain commas.
When should you use conjunctions with semicolons?
Conjunctions are often used to connect independent clauses that are already separated by a semicolon. This combination can be used to introduce lists or to link closely related ideas in a more complex sentence structure.
What is the difference between using a comma and a semicolon?
Commas are used for minor separations within sentences, while semicolons are used to separate major elements such as independent clauses or items in complex lists. Semicolons can also be used before certain conjunctions (like however, therefore) when the clauses they connect are lengthy.
How do semicolons affect the structure of a sentence?
Semicolons help to clarify complex sentences by separating elements that could be mistaken for parts of the same clause. They improve readability and ensure that each part of the sentence is distinct, making it easier for readers to understand the relationships between different ideas.