Inasmuch
/ɪnˈæz.mʌtʃ/
adverbC1
Definition
Inasmuch is used to connect two ideas by showing cause or extent. It means something like "since," "because," or "to the extent that." It often appears in formal writing or speech to explain why something happens or how true a statement is.
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See It in Action
Because; for the reason that
- •Inasmuch as you have helped, I am very grateful.
- •The plan succeeded inasmuch as everyone worked together.
- •Inasmuch as it is raining, we should stay inside.
To the extent or degree that
- •The theory is correct inasmuch as it explains the data.
- •He is honest inasmuch as he tells the truth about his mistakes.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inasmuch" like "because" (A1 word), but more formal and used in careful explanations
- ✓Picture a scale showing how much one thing depends on or is connected to another
- ✓It feels like giving a reason politely or carefully, like explaining why you agree with someone
- ✓Sounds like "in-AZ-much" → imagine measuring how much ("much") something is true "in" a situation
- ✓In stories or formal talks, people use "inasmuch" to explain why something is important or true
- ✓NOT like "although" (which shows contrast), "inasmuch" shows cause or reason
- ✓NOT like "if" (which shows condition), "inasmuch" shows actual reason or extent
Try Other Words
- •Since: meaning "because" (Use when giving a clear reason, often in spoken or informal contexts)
- •Inasmuch as: meaning "to the extent that" (Use when showing how much something is true)
- •Considering that: meaning "given that" (Use when pointing out a fact that explains something)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (inside) + "as much" (to the extent or degree)
- •Etymology: From older English combining the phrase "in as much (as)" meaning "to the extent that"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s in formal English to connect reasons or extent
- •Modern usage: Mostly found in formal writing, legal texts, or polite speech; less common in everyday conversation
- •Key insight: It is a compact way to say "because" or "to the extent that" in formal contexts
Reflect & Connect
•How does using a formal word like "inasmuch" change the tone of a sentence compared to "because"?
•Can you think of situations where explaining the degree of something ("to the extent that") is important? How would "inasmuch" help in those cases?
Fill in the blanks
1.Inasmuch as the weather was bad, the event ___ postponed.
2.She agreed with the idea, inasmuch as it ___ clear benefits.
3.The statement is true inasmuch as it ___ supported by evidence.
4.Inasmuch as you have finished the work, you can ___ a break.
5.The law applies inasmuch as the person ___ a resident of the city.
6.He helped, inasmuch as he could, but ___ full support was not possible.
7.Inasmuch as it is a formal word, it is ___ used in everyday speech.