as it goes

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it goes" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is in line with what's expected or usual in a given context. For example, "He was doing well on the test, as it goes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

So far as it goes.

Independent

"This is as far as it goes".

The New York Times - Science

"Smash" gets better as it goes along.

The New York Times - Arts

True, as far as it goes.

The New York Times - Books

Fine, as far as it goes.

The Economist

Better than good, as it goes.

Independent

The school is changing as it goes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Steady as it goes.

The Guardian

This is true as far as it goes.

The Economist

That's good as far as it goes.

The New York Times

But that's as far as it goes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it goes" to describe a process or situation that evolves naturally over time, without forcing or rushing its development.

Common error

Avoid using "as it goes" when you mean "as it is". The former implies a progression or evolution, while the latter describes a current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it goes" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner or timing of an action. It's used to describe a process or situation that unfolds or progresses over time. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's use in various contexts, showing its adaptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Food

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it goes" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe the natural progression of events, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While simple, avoid using this phrase as a direct replacement for "as it is". Alternatives like "in due course" or "as things progress" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Using "as it goes" correctly can add a touch of natural flow and dynamism to your writing, emphasizing the evolution of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as things progress

This option emphasizes the unfolding nature of events.

as events unfold

Emphasizes the revelation of events.

in due course

This alternative focuses on the idea of something happening at the appropriate time.

as time passes

Focuses on the temporal aspect of events unfolding.

in the process

Highlights the continuous action or progression of something.

with the passage of time

Similar to "over time", but with a more formal tone.

over time

This alternative emphasizes the gradual development of a situation.

down the line

Focuses on future developments.

in the fullness of time

Highlights the eventual completion or revelation of something.

eventually

A simpler alternative emphasizing the eventual outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "as it goes" to describe a process that evolves naturally over time. For example, "The plan will adapt "as it goes", incorporating new information and feedback."

What's the difference between "as it goes" and "as it stands"?

"As it goes" implies a process of change and evolution over time, while "as it stands" refers to the current, unchanged state of something. Use "as it stands" when something will stay without changes.

Which is correct: "as it goes" or "as it is going"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "As it goes" suggests a natural progression, while "as it is going" emphasizes the current trajectory or direction. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

Are there any formal alternatives to "as it goes"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in due course", "over time", or "as events unfold". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.