as it flows

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it flows" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a gradual or continuous process. An example sentence could be: "The river runs slowly, as it flows by the old stone bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It also gathers debris — dirt, cars, trees — as it flows.

The New York Times

Water flows in as it would with any other shower, but as it flows away, the used water is collected.

The Guardian

How is sensory information transformed by each station of a synaptic circuit as it flows progressively deeper into the brain?

Stanford University

So the top is really structured, but when it walks and as it flows, it doesn't have that same effect.

Cornell University

Distribution of entropy generation rate is investigated throughout the volume of the fluid as it flows through the diffuser.

Energy Conversion and Management

Researchers got around this issue by ionizing fluid as it flows through the chamber [100].

Nano-Micro Letters

The wattles are like speed bumps to slow water as it flows downhill.

Los Angeles Times

The article traces the work that the category of 'the sensorial' does as it flows through the loops and feedbacks between scientific evidence, policy and care.

BioSocieties

As it flows, it provides warmth and distributes body fluids.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Groundwater is essentially purified as it flows across grassy areas.

The Washington Post

The Artibonite then skirts the Noires Mountains as it flows to the Gulf of Gonâve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or sequence, use "as it flows" to illustrate a continuous action or gradual change. For example, "The narrative gains complexity as it flows through different perspectives."

Common error

Avoid using "as it flows" when describing something static or unchanging. Ensure the subject is actually in motion or undergoing a continuous transformation to make the phrase contextually appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it flows" functions as an adverbial clause of time or manner, modifying a verb by describing when or how an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in various contexts, indicating its role in depicting continuous or progressive actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it flows" is a versatile phrase used to describe continuous movement or gradual progression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and general knowledge. It functions as an adverbial clause, adding detail about the timing or manner of an action. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral contexts, it's essential to avoid overusing it in static descriptions. Common alternatives include "in its course" or "while progressing". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "as it flows" to enhance clarity and imagery in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it moves along

Adds emphasis to the movement aspect but maintains a similar structure.

while progressing

Underscores the ongoing advancement or development, analogous to the continual nature of "as it flows".

as it advances

Emphasizes the forward movement or progression.

in its course

Focuses on the path or trajectory, similar to the continuous movement implied by "as it flows".

during its passage

Emphasizes the act of passing through or by something, akin to the movement in "as it flows".

during its journey

Emphasizes the process of traveling or moving from one place to another.

in transit

Highlights the state of being transported or moving, like something that is flowing.

while in motion

Refers to a state of continuous movement.

in motion

Highlights the state of being active or moving, similar to the continuous movement implied by "as it flows".

in the process

Highlights that something is being produced or is happening.

FAQs

How can I use "as it flows" in a sentence?

Use "as it flows" to describe something in continuous motion or a process that unfolds gradually. For example, "The music becomes more complex "as it flows" from one movement to the next".

What are some alternatives to "as it flows"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "while progressing", "in its course", or "during its passage".

Is it correct to say "as it flowed" instead of "as it flows"?

The choice between ""as it flows"" and "as it flowed" depends on the tense you want to convey. "As it flows" implies a continuous or habitual action in the present, while "as it flowed" refers to a past action.

How does "as it flows" differ from "as it moves"?

"As it moves" is a more general term for motion. "As it flows" specifically suggests a fluid or continuous type of movement, often implying a natural or unimpeded progression.