as they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to introduce a clause that further explains the preceding clause. For example: John and Sarah enjoy spending time together, as they both share a love of outdoor activities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go, as they say, figure.

The Economist

As they say.

The New Yorker

As they always have.

The New York Times

As they should have.

The New York Times

As they do.

The New Yorker

As they should be.

The New York Times

No lift, as they say.

The New Yorker

As soon as they left.

The New Yorker

Skewing younger, as they say.

The New Yorker

They vote as they please.

The Economist

Go figure, as they say.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they" to introduce a clause that provides a reason, explanation, or simultaneous action related to the main clause.

Common error

Avoid using "as they" simply to indicate a sequence of events without a logical connection; use "when they" or "after they" for clearer sequencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that provides additional information, explanation, or reason related to the main clause. As Ludwig AI indicates, it connects clauses by elaborating on the actions or states of a group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they" is a versatile phrase used to introduce clauses that provide context, reason, or simultaneous action, indicated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a subordinating conjunction, connecting ideas across diverse contexts from News & Media to Science. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. While grammatically correct and very common, it's important to use it to show logical connections and avoid misusing it for simple sequencing. Alternatives like "because they" or "since they" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

because they

Emphasizes the reason or cause for something, similar to "as they" when used to provide an explanation.

since they

Indicates a reason or cause, offering a direct alternative to "as they" in explanatory contexts.

in that they

Formally introduces a specific aspect or characteristic, akin to explaining a detail with "as they".

given that they

Introduces a premise or condition, similar to "as they" providing background for a statement.

seeing that they

Emphasizes the obviousness of a reason, similar to how "as they" can introduce a clear explanation.

considering they

Takes into account a particular fact or condition, paralleling how "as they" introduces relevant information.

while they

Highlights something happening simultaneously, differing from "as they" which often provides explanation.

due to them

Directly attributes something to a cause, offering a concise alternative to "as they" in some contexts.

when they

Refers to a specific time or instance, unlike the general explanatory use of "as they".

the way they

Focuses on the manner or method something is done, diverging from the explanatory function of "as they".

FAQs

How can I use "as they" in a sentence?

Use "as they" to introduce a clause that explains or provides context for the main clause. For example, "The plants grew quickly, as they received plenty of sunlight."

What can I say instead of "as they"?

You can use alternatives like "because they", "since they", or "in that they" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "as they" and "when they"?

"As they" typically provides an explanation or reason, while "when they" refers to a specific time or occurrence. For instance, "as they left" implies a reason for something, whereas "when they left" simply indicates the timing.

Can "as they" be used to show cause and effect?

Yes, "as they" can indicate a causal relationship, similar to "because" or "since". For example, "The team improved, as they practiced more often."