Phrasal conjunction 'as if'

[Thuy]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #56 "Chit Chat: In the Aeroplane", question 7

Linda: Yes, you're right. It's as ......... everything on the plane is shaking.

(a) when
(b) like
(c) but
(d) if

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #56 "Chit Chat: In the Aeroplane", answer 7

Linda: Yes, you're right. It's as if everything on the plane is shaking.

Correct answer: (d) if

Your answer was: incorrect
Linda: Yes, you're right. It's as like everything on the plane is shaking.
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Dear all,

Pls kindly help me to explain:
"It's as if everything on the plane is shaking". What does this sentence mean? Why do we have to use "if" here.

Thanks a lot!
Thuy

[canadian45]

You cannot say "It's as like..."; "It's as if..." is correct.

The sentence means that it feels like and/or sounds like everything on the plane is shaking. Whatever is happening makes you think that the whole plane is shaking.

[Mister Micawber]

.
Grammatically, AS IF is a phrasal conjunction.
.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber