as it leaves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it leaves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or state occurring at the moment something departs or exits. Example: "The train whistled loudly as it leaves the station, signaling its imminent departure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Philae will take a picture of Rosetta as it leaves its "parent".

BBC

But is the company losing its touch as it leaves the cowpatch?

Forbes

The UK government has said it will not pay this amount but will settle its "obligations" as it leaves.

BBC

But it seems unnecessarily obscure, which reduces its appeal even as it leaves one looking forward to future developments.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a sentence that trails its fingers on the edge of the set as it leaves the stage.

The Guardian - Books

Be on time as it leaves sharpish!

The Guardian - Travel

As soon as it leaves the kitchen, it's changing.

The New York Times - Food

The model is designed to determine the speed of the vehicle as it leaves the road.

Journal of Terramechanics

The vein is attached to the aorta above as it leaves the left ventricle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is then coated with a resin -- a form of glue -- as it leaves the machine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This one supports La Loma Road as it leaves Pasadena heading west toward Eagle Rock.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it leaves" to clearly indicate a moment of transition or departure, ensuring the timing of events is well understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as it leaves" in overly complex sentences where the meaning becomes convoluted. Simpler constructions can often improve clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it leaves" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that describes the timing or circumstances surrounding an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase connects the action of something departing with another concurrent event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it leaves" is a versatile subordinating conjunction commonly used to provide temporal context, describing events happening concurrently with something's departure. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various registers, though most frequently encountered in news and media. For alternative phrasing, consider "when it departs" or "upon its exit". While generally safe to use, avoid overuse in overly complex sentences to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when it departs

This alternative replaces "leaves" with "departs", focusing on a more formal exit.

when it exits

Using "exits" instead of "leaves" emphasizes the act of going out of a place or situation.

in its departure

This phrase uses a noun form, shifting the focus to the moment of departing.

upon its exit

Similar to "in its departure", but uses "exit", stressing the action of leaving.

at the point of departure

This alternative is more specific, pinpointing the exact moment something leaves.

as it goes away

Replaces "leaves" with a more general phrase, suitable for less formal contexts.

during its passing

Focuses on the action of moving past a certain point or place.

while it's going out

This option uses a more descriptive and less formal expression.

just after it's gone

Shifts the perspective slightly to the period immediately following the departure.

subsequent to its exit

Implies a time frame immediately after the action of something leaving.

FAQs

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

Use "as it leaves" to describe an action or state that occurs simultaneously with something's departure. For example, "The bird sang as it leaves its nest".

What are some alternatives to "as it leaves"?

You can use alternatives like "when it departs", "upon its exit", or "at the point of departure" depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is "as it leaves" formal or informal?

"As it leaves" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal options like "upon its exit" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

"As it leaves" indicates simultaneous action, whereas "after it leaves" implies a sequence where one event follows the other. "As it leaves" focuses on the moment of departure, while "after it leaves" focuses on the subsequent state.