As things stand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As things stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the current situation or state of affairs at a particular moment in time. Example: "As things stand, we are on track to meet our project deadline, but we need to address some potential issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As things stand, that is.

Independent

As things stand, it would be defeated.

The Economist

As things stand, he's halfway there.

Independent

As things stand, he is probably right.

The Economist

As things stand, America will block it.

The Economist

As things stand, that looks entirely feasible.

The Guardian - Business

As things stand, Chelsea are going out.

The Guardian - Sport

As things stand, however, many phones are vulnerable.

The Economist

"As things stand now, nothing will change," he said.

Independent

As things stand, we are wasting our money.

The New York Times

As things stand, the human din is pervasive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As things stand" to provide a snapshot of the current situation before discussing potential changes or future actions.

Common error

Avoid using "As things stand" when describing a situation that is expected to change imminently, as it implies a degree of stability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As things stand" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate the current situation or state of affairs. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct phrase. It sets the context for subsequent information, providing a temporal anchor as evidenced in the many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As things stand" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe the current situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. Alternative phrases include "currently" and "at present", offering similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the present and avoid using it for rapidly changing situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Currently

Emphasizes the present time and is a direct substitute.

At present

Similar to "currently" but slightly more formal.

As of now

Directly indicates the present moment, often used in formal announcements.

As it now stands

Adds a bit more emphasis on the existing conditions.

In the current situation

Focuses on the overall circumstances.

Under the present circumstances

More formal and emphasizes external conditions.

Given the current state of affairs

Highlights the existing conditions and is slightly more verbose.

Things being as they are

An idiomatic expression indicating acceptance of the current conditions.

For the time being

Indicates a temporary situation that may change.

In the interim

Similar to "for the time being" but can imply a shorter timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "As things stand" in a sentence?

Use "As things stand" to introduce a statement about the current situation or state of affairs. For example, "As things stand, the project is on schedule."

What are some alternatives to "As things stand"?

You can use alternatives such as "currently", "at present", or "as of now" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "As things stand" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "under the present circumstances" for added clarity in specific situations.

What's the difference between "As things stand" and "for the time being"?

"As things stand" describes the present situation without implying a specific duration, while "for the time being" suggests that the situation is temporary.