than- and as-clauses: leaving out subjects, etc
Subjects: more than is necessary; as happened
Than and as can take the place of subjects in clauses (rather like relative pronouns).
- He worries more than is necessary. (not
… more than it/what is necessary.) - There were a lot of people at the exhibition – more than came last year. (not
… more than they came last year.) - The train might be late, as happened yesterday. (not
… as it happened yesterday.) - We’ve got food for as many people as want it. (not
… as they want it.)
Common expressions with as in place of a subject: as follows; as was expected; as was agreed; as is well known.
- I have prepared a new plan, as follows. (not
… as it follows.) - They lost money, as was expected. (not
… as it was expected.) - I am sending you the bill, as was agreed. (not
… as it was agreed.) - As is well known, smoking is dangerous. (not
As it is well known …)
Objects and complements: as I did last year
Than and as can also take the place of objects and complements.
- They sent more vegetables than I had ordered. (not
… than I had ordered them.) - Don’t lose your passport, as I did last year. (not
… as I did it last year.) - She was more frightened than I was. (not
… than I was it.) - You’re as tired as I am. (not
… as I am it.)
Some English dialects use what after as and than in these cases.
- They sent more paper than what I had ordered. (non-standard)
- You’re as tired as what I am. (non-standard)