as it forms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it forms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process or development that is occurring simultaneously with the formation of something. Example: "The team collaborated closely, sharing ideas as it forms into a cohesive project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If produced, this enzyme might enable the centrosome to copy its RNA as it forms a second centrosome.

Science Magazine

The mineral incorporates water from rainfall or other sources into its crystal structure as it forms.

Los Angeles Times

Hemolysin is a secreted protein belonging to the family of pore-forming toxins (PFTs), as it forms aqueous channels in host cells in vitro15.

Nature

Carefully remove foam as it forms.

The New York Times - Food

Because ammonia is toxic to cells, however, it is detoxified as it forms.

Britannica

The fission-product oxides dissolve in the glass as it forms.

Britannica

Iron is essential as it forms the molecules that carry oxygen in the blood.

The Economist

That can happen if the liquid in the cell freezes, expands as it forms ice crystals, and breaks the walls.

The New York Times

The mechanism of inhibition of the compound was investigated as it forms a reactive Michael acceptor group in situ.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Handling properly all type of changes is a crucial process as it forms the core component of the modern DSS.

Procedia Computer Science

As it forms, gradually, it pushes the leaves off the twigs and sends them to the ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it forms" to clearly indicate that two actions or states are happening simultaneously, emphasizing the developmental context. For example, "Remove the foam from the soup as it forms."

Common error

Avoid using "as it forms" when the actions are not truly simultaneous. Ensure that the described action is directly related to and occurring during the formation process, not before or after. For example, it would be incorrect to say "I painted the house as it forms" unless you were somehow influencing the house's very creation with your paint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it forms" functions as a subordinating conjunction, linking a dependent clause to an independent clause. This indicates that the action in the dependent clause happens concurrently with the process of something taking shape or being created. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it forms" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an action or state occurs simultaneously with the creation or development of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. It functions as a subordinating conjunction, effectively linking related events in time. When writing, ensure that the events are genuinely simultaneous to avoid misinterpretations. While alternatives like "during its formation" or "while it is forming" exist, "as it forms" offers a concise way to convey this temporal relationship. Using it correctly will enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while it is forming

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the action and formation.

as it develops

Suggests a gradual and progressive unfolding or growth.

during its formation

Focuses on the timeframe of the formation, rather than the ongoing action.

concurrent with its formation

Uses more formal language to emphasize simultaneous occurrence.

as it takes shape

Emphasizes the visual aspect of something becoming defined.

in the process of forming

Highlights the procedure through which something comes into being.

when it is created

Highlights a specific point in time when the formation happens.

upon its creation

Focuses on the moment of creation as the reference point.

during the build-up

Specifically refers to a stage of accumulation or construction.

in its nascent state

Emphasizes the early or beginning stages of development.

FAQs

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

Use "as it forms" to show that something is happening at the same time that something else is being created or taking shape. For example, "Salt is released in seawater "as it forms", making the water denser."

What are some alternatives to "as it forms"?

You can use phrases like "while it is forming", "during its formation", or "as it develops" to express similar ideas.

Is it better to say "as it forms" or "as it is forming"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "as it forms" is generally more concise. "As it is forming" emphasizes the continuous nature of the action, which can be useful in certain contexts but isn't always necessary.

What's the difference between "as it forms" and "after it forms"?

"As it forms" indicates simultaneous action, while "after it forms" indicates that one action occurs only once the formation is complete. The choice depends on whether the actions overlap in time.