3.180 use in intransitive structures

Prepositional phrases beginning with 'as' can be used after certain intransitive verbs to indicate what role or function the subject has, or what identity they pretend to have.

• Bleach removes colour and acts as an antiseptic and deodoriser.
• He served as Kennedy's ambassador to India.
• They attempted to get an agent posing as a telephone repairman into the Stein residence.

Here is a list of verbs which can be followed by 'as' in this way:

• act, come, double, function, pass, pose, serve

'Work' can also be used in this way, when it has a human subject.

• My father worked as a draughtsman in a shipyard.