Fri, 06 Mar 2026 11:27:01 EST
As It Were
The idiom, as it were, means, as if it were so. As it were indicates that the entity the phrase modifies is metaphorical. He went AWOL, as it were, from school. He inhaled his breakfast, as it were, before the rest of us had even begun to eat.
The Great and Terrible Captain Cucamunga hereby orders you not to use as it were because it is unnecessary. All those who disobey this commandment must wear white t-shirts with black lettering that reads, “The captain is disappointed with me.” You’re on the honor system on this matter.