as it was

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it was" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer back to a previously established state of being or situation. For example, "The house was painted yellow last summer, but now it has faded to a pale green, as it was before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The Wa" as it was.

Princeton University

It speaks as it was.

The Economist

As it was Thursday.

The Washington Post

As it was they lost badly.

Independent

As it was, NATO suffered no casualties.

The New Yorker

As it was to many others.

The New York Times

But, as it was Ant, I agreed.

Independent

As it was, "Brideshead" was notoriously troubled.

The New York Times - Arts

I was just showing as it was.

The New York Times

As it was, I chose Paul.

The New Yorker

Exploded into flames as it was landing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it was" to effectively contrast a present situation with a previous state, adding depth and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as it was" to describe hypothetical or future situations. This phrase is best used to refer to a past reality or condition that has since changed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it was" serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a previous state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as it was" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to compare a current state with a past one. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in English and frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While its usage is broad, it's best suited for describing past realities rather than future hypotheticals. To enhance writing, consider synonyms like "in its original state" or "formerly". By understanding its function and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "as it was" to add depth and context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it used to be

Highlights a contrast between a past and present state.

in its original state

Focuses on the condition of something before a change.

in its former state

Specifies a previous state or condition.

as it previously existed

Emphasizes the existence of something in the past.

as things stood then

Describes a situation at a particular point in the past.

before the change

Highlights a point in time prior to an alteration.

in the past

Simply refers to a time before the present.

formerly

Indicates a previous condition or state.

in days gone by

Evokes a sense of nostalgia for a previous time.

in bygone days

Similar to 'in days gone by', but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

Use "as it was" to refer back to a previous state or condition. For example, "The building has been renovated, but the facade remains "as it was" before."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as it was"?

You can use alternatives like "in its original state", "formerly", or "as it used to be" depending on the context.

Is "as it was" formal or informal?

The phrase "as it was" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "as it was" and "as it is"?

"As it was" refers to a past state, while "as it is" describes the current state. For example, "The city is not "as it is" bustling "as it was" before the pandemic".