How to Use the Phrase “As Such”

You have probably seen as such used in the sense of therefore, as in the following example:

Beth loves animals. As such, she enjoys being a zookeeper.

However, this usage represents a misunderstanding of how as such functions grammatically. In this context, such is a pronoun that requires an antecedent­—that is, a noun (or noun phrase) for the pronoun to reference (Garner 71). If you’re confused about whether using as such is appropriate, The Chicago Manual of Style recommends a simple test: asking yourself as what? (“Usage”). Applying this test to the above example reveals that there is no antecedent for such in the first sentence. But the sentence can be revised to include an antecedent:

Beth is an animal lover. As such, she enjoys being a zookeeper.

In this example, asking yourself as what? produces an answer: as an animal lover.

In addition to asking as what?, you might also ask yourself if using as such is necessary or helpful. In many cases, as such—even if used correctly—may be overcomplicating your writing. Consider the following possible revisions for the above examples:

Beth loves animals, so she enjoys being a zookeeper.

Beth loves animals and enjoys being a zookeeper.

Beth’s love of animals means she enjoys being a zookeeper.

Beth enjoys being a zookeeper because she loves animals.

As such can be a useful phrase, but writers should take care to ensure that they are using it correctly and that its inclusion serves a purpose. As such is sometimes an unnecessary embellishment, and as such it can often be omitted.  

Works Cited

Garner, Bryan A. Garner’s Modern American Usage. 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2009.

“Usage and Grammar.” The Chicago Manual of Style Online, www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/qanda/data/faq/topics/Usage/faq0033.html. Accessed 3 June 2026.