As it were

Pro Tip 1/3

Softening Statements

Use 'as it were' to make a strong statement or opinion less direct or blunt.

She took charge of the situation, the leader, as it were.

Pro Tip 2/3

Irony or Humor

It's often used to add a humorous or ironic spin to a statement.

I was the chef of the evening, as it were, with my one signature dish.

Pro Tip 3/3

Imperfect Metaphors

Use when you're making a comparison that isn't literal or precise.

We navigated the shopping mall, a jungle, as it were.