beer bellies

as...as

Sometimes comparing with as leads to some first language interference, at least for Indonesians!
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as...as + verbs

I need to study as much as possible. I have an exam next week.

(much affects the meaning of the verb study)

So far, so good. In Bahasa Indonesia we have the same grammar structure!

Compare:

Indonesian
English

Saya perlu belajar sebanyak mungkin. Aku ada ujian minggu depan.

I need to study as much as possible. I have an exam next week.


as...as + plural and uncountable nouns

If someone poisons your dog, give your dog coconut water as much as possible!

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This is a direct translation of:

Kalau anjing anda keracunan, kasih dia air kelapa sebanyak mungkin!

Indonesians need to be careful here because in Bahasa Indonesia the uncountable noun air kelapa (coconut water) is positioned before as much as.

In English, with plural and uncountable nouns, you need this:

If someone poisons your dog, give your dog as much coconut water as possible!

(much affects the meaning of the noun coconut water)

Compare:

Indonesian
English

If someone poisons your dog, give your dog coconut water as much as possible!

If someone poisons your dog, give your dog as much coconut water as possible!

Notice that when you’re focusing on nouns, your only options are much (for uncountable nouns) and many (for plural countable nouns)!

as...as + singular countable nouns

Later if I have enough money I will build a house as large as possible.
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This is a direct translation of:

Nanti kalau saya punya uang saya mau bikin rumah sebesar mungkin!

Again, Indonesians need to be careful because in Bahasa Indonesia the singular count noun rumah (house) is positioned before as much as.

In English, with singular countable nouns you need this:

Later if I have enough money I will build as large a house as possible.

(large affects the singular countable noun house)

Compare:

Indonesian
English

Later if I have enough money I will build a house as large as possible!

Later if I have enough money I will build as large a house as possible!

Notice the singular countable noun always has the article a! Notice also that you are no longer restricted to many and much. Any adjective can be used!

Challenge

Can you make sentences comparing John and Linda? (See photo top of page).

Try to use as...as!