Either phrase is acceptable, but grammarians prefer as though.
Bag vs Sack vs Pouch
Bag, sack, pouch denote a container made of a flexible material (as paper, cloth, or leather) and open or opening at the top.
At arm’s length vs Close at hand
at arm’s length—1. as far away from one as one can reach with the arm:
Badinage vs Persiflage vs Raillery
Badinage, persiflage, raillery denote a kind of banter.
Artery vs Vein
An artery carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body while a vein carries blood to the heart.
At any one time vs At any time
at any one time—on each separate occasion:
As vs Like
As is a conjunction and is followed by a subject and verb.
At any cost vs At any price
at any cost—regardless of how much effort or sacrifice is needed:
Bad vs Poor vs Wrong
Bad, poor, wrong are comparable when they mean not measuring up to a standard of what is satisfactory.
Bad vs Evil vs Ill vs Wicked vs Naughty
Bad, evil, ill, wicked, naughty are comparable when they mean not meeting with the approval of the ethical consciousness.
At an end vs At the end
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase in the end—
Artisan vs Artist vs Artiste
Artisan refers to one skilled in a trade.