as it wrote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it wrote" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to refer to something that was written, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "The document was finalized as it wrote, but we still need to review it for errors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

And he'd used it on his colleagues at work, the whole story — from the snatching of the fish to his outraged shout to the bird's startled flapping as it wrote its way across the sky — refining it in the telling till the fact that the fish had cost him sixteen hundred dollars only underscored the hilarity.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kam said it was "plausible" that N.H.T.S.A. might have started its investigation without any prodding by the Center for Auto Safety, just as it wrote in its denial of petition.

The New York Times

In November, H.P. took a charge of $8.8 billion as it wrote down its acquisition of Autonomy, a British software company that it acquired in 2011.

The New York Times

Mr Icahn expects to see "consolidation in this industry".Panasonic took markets by surprise when it reported an $8.7 billion quarterly loss, as it wrote down its business in solar panels, batteries and mobile phones.

The Economist

Dow Jones & Company, the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, posted a net loss for the fourth quarter as it wrote off its remaining investment in the financially struggling Bridge Information Systems, the company said yesterday.

The New York Times

In the last year its new offerings have focused on "food quality" with the hope, as it wrote in its governmental filings, of "transition[ing] products to a higher price point when appropriate".

Huffington Post

The toy maker Hasbro said its second-quarter loss widened as it wrote down the value of its investment in a French computer game maker.

The New York Times

MBIA also announced a $2.3 billion loss for the fourth quarter, its biggest ever, as it wrote down the value of some guarantees by $3.5 billion.

The New York Times

Veolia said it took a loss of 2.1 billion euros ($2.4 billion) in its first half as it wrote down the value of the water assets it plans to sell by 2.2 billion euros ($2.4 billion) to account for the proposed sale.

The New York Times

PARIS — BNP Paribas, the largest French bank, said on Wednesday that its quarterly profit declined by more than half as it wrote down the value of its Greek debt holdings.

The New York Times

REUTERS BNP Paribas Profitit Falls 51% on Greek Debt Write-Down  |  BNP Paribas, the largest French bank, said on Wednesday that its quarterly profit declined by more than half as it wrote down the value of its Greek debt holdings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to written content, use more precise phrases like "as it was written" or "according to the text" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "as it wrote" in formal writing. It often lacks clarity and can confuse readers. Instead, opt for phrases that explicitly indicate the subject and action, such as "as the author wrote".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it wrote" functions as a conjunction phrase intended to connect two parts of a sentence, indicating a relationship based on something that has been written. However, according to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness is questionable, and it is often recommended to use clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "as it wrote" appears in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically questionable and potentially ambiguous in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that it is often better to opt for clearer alternatives such as "as it was written" or "according to the document". Its function is to connect statements to written sources, but its lack of precision can make it unsuitable for formal or academic writing. The phrase is common in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. Always prioritize clarity by using more direct and grammatically sound alternatives to avoid confusion and maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it was written

Emphasizes the passive construction, making it clear that something was written in a specific manner.

as it is written

Indicates the present state of being written, suitable for describing current documents or rules.

according to what was written

Highlights that the statement is based on existing written material.

in the way it was written

Focuses on the specific style or method of writing.

as the document stated

Refers directly to a document and its contents.

in its written form

Highlights the transition from spoken to written language, emphasizing clarity.

as penned

Emphasizes the manual aspect of writing, useful in historical contexts.

in accordance with its writing

Formal alternative highlighting conformity to a set of rules or document guidelines.

as documented

Highlights that the information is officially recorded and available for reference.

as inscribed

Refers to text that is carved or engraved, common in historical or archaeological narratives.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct way to say "as it wrote"?

More grammatically sound alternatives include "as it was written", "as the document states", or "according to the text". These phrases provide clarity and avoid potential ambiguity.

When is it appropriate to use "as it wrote"?

While the phrase "as it wrote" appears in some contexts, it is generally not recommended for formal or academic writing. It is better to use clearer alternatives like "as it was written" or "as the document stated".

How can I improve the clarity of my writing when referencing a written source?

To enhance clarity, specify the source and the action. For example, instead of "as it wrote", use "as the author described" or "as the report indicated". This provides context and reduces ambiguity.

Which is correct, "as it wrote" or "as it was written"?

"As it was written" is the correct and preferred form in standard English. The phrase "as it wrote" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing.