as he withdrew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as he withdrew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone pulling back or retreating from a situation or location, often implying a sense of leaving or distancing oneself. Example: "As he withdrew from the conversation, the tension in the room began to dissipate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The others echoed "Amen" and sat down as he withdrew.

The New Yorker

But on Monday, as he withdrew his candidacy after a disappointing primary performance, he was wistful.

The New York Times

Detectives watched as two men followed Mr. Hirdler as he withdrew the money.

The New York Times

Ms. Wilson eyed him warily as he withdrew a pair of smooth buckeye nuts — good luck tokens, he said.

The New York Times

He got an enthusiastic reception from the delegates as he withdrew his name from the consideration of the convention.

The New York Times

The formula served him well, even as he withdrew from directing to work primarily as a producer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Is that what is happening to Tengo's father, too, as he withdraws into his dementia?

The New Yorker

The overhaul reflects President Barack Obama's changing focus to the interlinked quandary in Afghanistan and Pakistan as he withdraws the 130,000 US troops from Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

The president appears to be ratcheting up intelligence and paramilitary operations under the leadership of the nation's most celebrated military commander, even as he withdraws uniformed troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Washington Post

The former sometimes swamps the latter but it is also true that John Heffernan PSTD-suffering Macbeth speaks the verse with extraordinary intelligence, acutely conveying how, as he withdraws into brutalised numbness, Macbeth's develops a nuanced awareness of what Keats called "the feel of not to feel it".

Independent

It looks like manager Ian McCall agrees as he withdraws the hat-trick hero, to keep him fresh for the weekend trip to Firhill.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as he withdrew" to clearly indicate a simultaneous action, emphasizing the manner or circumstances surrounding someone's departure or removal from a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "as he withdrew" when you simply mean someone was hesitant or unwilling. Ensure the context clearly indicates an actual act of removing oneself, not just a lack of enthusiasm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as he withdrew" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when something happened in relation to the act of withdrawing. Ludwig provides examples showcasing this temporal relationship in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as he withdrew" functions as an adverbial clause, primarily used to provide temporal context and describe the circumstances surrounding someone's act of withdrawing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources and maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases like "as he retreated" or "as he backed away" offer alternative ways to express this idea, and it's important to use the phrase when conveying a simultaneous action and the way someone is moving. Remembering these points will ensure clear and effective use of "as he withdrew" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as he retreated

Emphasizes a more formal or strategic withdrawal.

as he pulled back

Highlights the action of retracting or drawing something back, including oneself.

as he backed away

Focuses on the physical act of moving backward to create distance.

as he moved away

Describes a general act of shifting one's position to create distance.

as he disengaged

Suggests a deliberate separation or detachment from a situation or activity.

as he stepped aside

Indicates a yielding of space or position, often to allow something else to proceed.

as he receded

Conveys a sense of fading or diminishing presence.

as he excused himself

Implies a polite or formal departure from a conversation or situation.

as he departed

Simply means he left, with no particular emphasis on the manner of leaving.

as he took his leave

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying goodbye or departing.

FAQs

How can I use "as he withdrew" in a sentence?

You can use "as he withdrew" to describe an action happening simultaneously with someone's retreat. For example, "As he withdrew from the negotiation, he signaled his team to follow".

What can I say instead of "as he withdrew"?

You can use alternatives like "as he retreated", "as he backed away", or "as he pulled back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as he withdraws" instead of "as he withdrew"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "as he withdrew" describes a completed action in the past, while "as he withdraws" describes a habitual or ongoing action in the present. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "as he withdrew" and "when he withdrew"?

"As he withdrew" emphasizes the simultaneous nature of two actions, while "when he withdrew" simply indicates the timing of one action in relation to another. "As" implies a connection or consequence that "when" doesn't necessarily suggest.