as he writes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as he writes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening simultaneously with the act of writing. Example: "As he writes, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As he writes, the story comes back.

The Guardian - Film

As he writes, his mentor "was not an academic.

The Washington Post

As he writes to Queenie: "I am on my way.

The Guardian - Books

Stearns went for it, "American-style", as he writes.

The Guardian - Music

His life, as he writes, "did not pan out".

The New Yorker

We certainly wish him well as he writes up that story up before Dean's Date.

Princeton University

As he writes in his preface, "Statistical method was an example for the acquisition of information.

Harvard University

As he writes in "Autobiography," knowing full well it's the pull quote, "I am impossible".

The New Yorker

As he writes in "Confederate Widow," "Stories only happen to people who can tell them".

The New Yorker

As he writes this, he is living in Rome and sitting in a cafe.

The New Yorker

Even as he writes, though, Binet (or the narrator) harbors doubts about his approach.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as he writes" to create a sense of immediacy, connecting an action or statement directly to the writing process.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "as he writes" in highly formal or academic papers. Opt for alternatives like "according to his writing" or "in his own words" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as he writes" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the time or manner in which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as he writes" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to indicate simultaneity between the act of writing and another action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in news media and academic contexts. While appropriate for many situations, be mindful of potential overuse in highly formal writing, where alternatives may be more suitable. Remember to use "as he writes" to establish a clear temporal relationship, adding depth and immediacy to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while he is writing

Replaces "as" with "while", emphasizing the simultaneous nature of the action.

in the process of writing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the writing activity.

as he puts it in writing

Emphasizes the act of formalizing thoughts into a written form.

according to his writing

Highlights that the information comes directly from his written work.

during his writing

Slightly more formal alternative to "as he writes".

in his writing

Shifts the focus to the content of the writing, rather than the act itself.

while composing

Uses "composing" as a synonym for writing, suitable for more formal contexts.

in his own words

Focuses on the writer's unique expression or perspective.

when putting pen to paper

More descriptive and less common, suggesting the physical act of writing.

as the author pens

A more formal or literary alternative, using "pens" instead of "writes".

FAQs

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

Use "as he writes" to show something happening at the same time someone is writing, like "As he writes, he reflects on the experiences that shaped his thoughts."

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

You can use alternatives like "while he is writing", "in his own words", or "according to his writing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "as he writes" and "while he writes"?

While both phrases indicate simultaneous actions, "as he writes" often implies a more direct connection between the writing and the action, whereas "while he writes" simply indicates that both actions occur at the same time. The difference is subtle, but "as he writes" can create a stronger sense of immediacy.

When is it appropriate to use "as he writes" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "as he writes" is generally more suited for neutral or informal contexts. In formal academic writing, consider alternatives like "according to his writing" or "in his writing" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.