as is

Idioms and Phrases

Just the way it is, with no changes. For example, We saved a few dollars by buying the floor sample on an as is basis . This expression is used of goods to be sold that may be slightly worn, damaged, or otherwise less than perfect.

More About As Is

What does as is mean?

As is is a phrase used to describe the present state of something with no changes.

As is is most often used to describe items for sale that may be faulty, damaged, or otherwise not in a perfect condition, as in I don’t need the house fixed up because I want to buy it as is. 

Example: Frida saved some money buying the television as is and fixing it herself.

Where does as is come from?

The earliest records of the phrase as is come from around 1895. It was first used in the United States and it is possibly a shortening of “as it is.” The phrase is used to mean that the buyer is purchasing the item with no changes to it and no guarantees of quality.

Typically, the phrase as is is used in sales listings or by salespeople. The phrase is used to make it clear that the item being sold could be broken, be of poor quality, or have problems. The buyer can’t accuse the seller of fraud or tricking them into purchasing a low-quality item. The Uniform Commercial Code specifically mentions that a seller can use the phrase as is to tell a customer they have no legal right to seek a refund or compensation if whatever they bought is unsatisfactory.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for as is?

• as it stands
• in its present condition
• as it is

What are some words that share a root or word element with as is? 

• as
• is

What are some words that often get used in discussing as is?

• sale
• purchase
• quality
• used

How is as is used in real life?

As is is often used to describe the sale of used, broken, or low-quality items.

what’s better, paying to get everything wrong w my car fixed & sell it or sell it as is? It runs good lol

— YB (@Dazshavou) June 27, 2020

If you or someone you know is looking to sell their house to avoid foreclosure please contact me for a CASH offer! I will buy it AS IS. Help me help you💪🏼

— COPE-PERC (@RyannMichael_) June 29, 2020

A bit of the damage on my truck from last nights hail in Calgary. Looks like a hammer went over it. It has 65,000km but its 2006. Imagine I will try to sell it as is. pic.twitter.com/JzOZMX49F4

— Magic Beans🐿️ (@DeanJC420) June 14, 2020

Try using as is!

Is as is used correctly in the following sentence?

Rather than pay for repairs and paint, Marieke decided to sell her car as is.