as though

• La conjonction 'as though' s'emploie presque comme 'as if' pour décrire quelque chose en le comparant à une situation irréelle, hypothétique ou exagérée. Elle peut sous-entendre que la comparaison ne correspond pas à la réalité, exprimer un doute ou, plus rarement, introduire une comparaison potentiellement réelle. Elle est généralement suivie d'une proposition subordonnée, souvent au passé pour une valeur irréelle.

The conjunction 'as though' is used in a very similar way to 'as if' to describe something by comparing it to an unreal, hypothetical, or exaggerated situation. It can imply that the comparison is not factual, express doubt, or, less commonly, introduce a possible real comparison. It is generally followed by a clause, often using a past tense for unreal meanings.

Structuresas · though · SLOT

1. Unreal or hypothetical comparisonB1informal

   Introduces an imaginative or untrue comparison. A past tense verb is commonly used in the clause after 'as though' to suggest that the current situation is not a reality, and a past perfect for past unreality.

   comparaison hypothétique ou irréelle

   • He behaves as though he were the boss.
   • She felt as though she had been there before.
   • They continued arguing as though nothing had happened.

2. Skeptical or doubtful statementB2informal

   Used to suggest that something is hard to believe or exaggerated. It often questions the truth or likelihood of a claim or action.

   comme si (douteux)

   • He talks as though he were an expert, but he isn't.
   • She spends money as though it grew on trees.
   • You make it sound as though it's my fault.

3. Appearance or impressionB1formal

   Indicates how something is perceived through the senses or based on evidence, often introducing a clause that may be factually possible.

   comme si

   • It seems as though we've made a mistake.
   • The sky looks as though it might clear up.
   • She sounded as though she was upset.