3.181 use in transitive structures

A number of transitive verbs can be used with 'as' after their object.

With some, a noun group is used after 'as'. The 'as' phrase describes the role of the object or what it is thought to be.

• I wanted to use him as an agent.
• I treated business as a game.

Here is a list of transitive verbs which can be used with 'as' and a noun group:

• brand, cast, categorize, certify, characterize, choose, class, condemn, consider, define, denounce, depict, describe, diagnose, elect, establish, give, hail, identify, intend, interpret, label, name, perceive, recognize, regard, scorn, see, suggest, take, treat, use, view

With others, an adjective is used after 'as'. The adjective indicates what quality or characteristic the object is thought to have.

• Party members and officials described him as brilliant.
• They regarded manual work as degrading.

Here is a list of transitive verbs which can be used with 'as' and an adjective:

• brand, categorize, certify, characterize, class, condemn, define, denounce, depict, describe, diagnose, establish, label, perceive, regard, scorn, see, view

3.182

'Look upon', 'refer to', and 'think of' can also be used with 'as' in this way. 'As' must be followed by a noun group when used with 'refer to'.

• In some households the man was referred to as 'the master'.