as it stood then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it stood then" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific situation or condition that existed at a particular time in the past. Example: "The decision was made based on the information available as it stood then, without considering the subsequent developments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the election of 1796, under the Constitution as it stood then, each of the presidential electors had two votes, which they were to cast for different men.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To pull all this together, we need players who are able to play with their eyes, assessing the situation as it stands then deciding how best to deal with it.

Independent

To sum up the current situation as it stands, then, neither the individuals with ultimate responsibility for the future of the arts in this country nor the ministers charged with holding the government to account have any practical experience of the fields they lead.

The Guardian

As it stands, then, PayPal doesn't want any e-rotica to change hands.

TechCrunch

10.56pm BST As it stands: Denmark, then the Ukraine, then Azerbaijan, then Greece, then lots and lots and lots of people, and then Bonnie Tyler.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If that doesn't show you the rather tenuous nature of the MVP system as it stands now, then nothing will.

The Guardian - Sport

This would allow us to leave the agenda as it stands, and then to discuss the issue in more detail in March.

EU Parlament

As it stands, the authors explain Figure 1A, then jump to Figure 2A and 2B, then back to Figure 1B, and then describe 2C.

eLife

As it stands now... " He shrugged, and then said it was time I ended my shift.

The New Yorker

As it stands, refugees who reach Greece are then forced to travel through Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary to other destinations in Europe, a route making them vulnerable to human traffickers, gangs and corrupt officials.

The Guardian

Sometimes a man or woman will tell you that they're not ready for a relationship or that they just want to do their own thing right now, So if you're not on the same page as them as far as when you guys stand then it's time to let go because it doesn't matter how long you wait for that man or woman you can't make them change their mind.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For greater precision, especially in technical or formal writing, consider replacing “as it stood then” with a more specific temporal marker, such as "prior to the 2010 amendment" or "before the implementation of the new policy."

Common error

Avoid using "as it stood then" in contexts where the time frame is unclear or could be misinterpreted. Provide specific dates or events to anchor the time frame being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it stood then" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the state or condition of something at a specific time in the past. It provides temporal context, specifying how things were at that particular point, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it stood then" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverbial phrase used to specify a past state or condition. According to Ludwig, it is common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the time period is well-defined. While it can lean towards formality, it's generally suitable for neutral communication. For more precise language, consider alternatives like "at that point in time" or "in its former state."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as matters then stood

A more formal variation with similar meaning.

at that point in time

Replaces "as it stood" with a more direct temporal reference.

given the situation at that moment

Highlights the specific circumstances and timing.

as the situation existed then

Emphasizes the existence of a particular situation.

under the circumstances at the time

Emphasizes the specific conditions influencing the situation.

in the condition it was then

Directly describes the state of something previously.

in its former state

Focuses on the previous condition of something.

at that juncture

Highlights a specific point in time with formal register.

in those days

A simple, time-bound expression.

back then

An informal alternative, focusing on a past time.

FAQs

How can I use "as it stood then" in a sentence?

You can use "as it stood then" to describe a situation or condition at a specific point in the past. For example, "The legal framework, "as it stood then", did not adequately address the issue of online privacy."

What phrases are similar to "as it stood then"?

Similar phrases include "at that point in time", "under the circumstances at the time", or "in its former state".

Is "as it stood then" formal or informal?

"As it stood then" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans towards a slightly more formal tone. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use this phrase.

When should I avoid using "as it stood then"?

Avoid using "as it stood then" if the time period you are referring to is ambiguous or unclear. Ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand the specific time frame being discussed. It can be replaced with "at that juncture" for better precision.