as/in a sign of gratitude

[Mad-ox]

Which one is correct AS or IN?


Context:
She bent her head as/ in a sign of gratitude.

[Rover_KE]

'As' is correct.

Rover

[bhaisahab]

I think "in" is possible.

[SoothingDave]

I could go either way.

[Gillnetter]

Which one is correct AS or IN?


Context:
She bent her head as/ in a sign of gratitude.

I believe that there is a subtle difference between "as" and "is" here. If she bent her head as a sign of gratitude, she did so to show someone else her gratitude. If she bent her head in a sign of gratitude, she did so because she felt the need to show gratitude.

[bhaisahab]

I believe that there is a subtle difference between "as" and "is" here. If she bent her head as a sign of gratitude, she did so to show someone else her gratitude. If she bent her head in a sign of gratitude, she did so because she felt the need to show gratitude.

I agree, there is a subtle difference of meaning, but both are correct.

[Rover_KE]

@ Mad-ox:

If you're struggling to get your head round this subtle difference, so am I.

I'd never think of saying 'in a sign of gratitude'.

Rover