I think it all depends on whether it is used as part of an adverbial phrase when making comparisons, in which case the infinitive or simple form of the verb is the norm, or whether it is used as a conjunction introducing clauses of comparison and similar in meaning to in addition to, in which case the '-ing' pattern is required. Let us compare the two usages: as + adj + as + clause/phrase as + adv + as + clause/phrase For example:- 'I saw as many as three thousand people at the concert.'
- 'He was badly injured, but I did as much as I could to make him comfortable.'
- 'I waited for as long as I dared, but when it got dark, I went home.'
- 'Please come as quickly as you can. My father is very ill.'
- 'The Irish played as well as the Scots but didn't convert as many attempts on goal.'
- 'Richardson was as good an actor as Gieldgud (was).'
Note that if an adjective is placed between as and the noun, a / an must be placed after the adjective. |