As a(n) noun vs as only?

Question

I wonder about the use of `as a` and `as (only)` in writing. Can you explain when it is correct to quantify the noun when presenting oneself? I will paste some examples for clarity. Are there any rules to follow? **Example 1** > a) As teacher, I meet many children. > b) As a teacher, I meet many children. **Example 2** > a) Working as pilot, I fly airplanes. > b) Working as a pilot, I fly airplanes.

Answer 1

Thanks for your question.

You gave these examples:

**Example 1**

> a) As teacher, I meet many children.

> b) As a teacher, I meet many children.

**Example 2**

> a) Working as pilot, I fly airplanes.

> b) Working as a pilot, I fly airplanes.

For both of your examples, sentence a) is incorrect.

Sentence b) is correct because the speaker is classifying himself/herself as ONE of a group of professionals with certain experience.

I can't think of many examples where the article ("a" or "an" or "the") is omitted.

One instance where the article is optional (NOT necessary) follows in example a):

a) "As president of the USA, Donald Trump has been criticized for his outspoken and unorthodox way of expressing himself." (correct)

b) "As the president of the USA, Donald Trump has been criticized for his outspoken and unorthodox way of expressing himself." (also correct)

In the case of example a) above, "the" is omitted from the phrase due to the clarity of WHO is speaking. The title of the speaker is given. The person is referring to Donald Trump as president, rather than D.T. as a private citizen where his manner of expressing himself would be less controversial.

In this case, as is a preposition.

Here is a link for more information on this way of using as: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/as-and-as-expressions/as

Going back to your original examples and applying this use of as:

**Example 1**

> a) As teacher, I set the tone for our classroom discussions.

**Example 2**

> a) As head pilot, I am responsible for everything that happens on my airpane.

Last, There is an expression in English, "As such", which is used to replace a longer previous description or explanation. It is used somewhat like a pronoun, referring back to information that has already been provided. You will find it in legal documents or very detailed lectures, etc.

Here is a link that gives more information on "as such": https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/as-such

I hope this has been helpful to you.