as they are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they are" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something exists in the same state as it did before. For example, "The students stayed in their seats, as they are, until the lesson was over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aren't the originals perfect as they are?

Independent

As yellow as they are, they are.

The New Yorker

You are not as they are.

The New Yorker

They will do as they are told.

The Economist

(Or, as they are called regionally, crawfish).

The New York Times - Food

Things are better as they are.

Independent

Parts arrive just as they are needed.

The Economist

They simply do as they are told.

The New Yorker

He temperamentally likes things as they are.

The New Yorker

People prefer to stay as they are.

The Economist

More players appear as they are needed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical documentation, "as they are" can specify that default settings or original configurations should be preserved.

Common error

Avoid using "as they are" when you intend to describe modifications or alterations. This phrase explicitly indicates no change has occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they are" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating that something is being considered or handled in its present condition. It is often used to maintain the status quo or to emphasize the current state without alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they are" is a versatile expression used to denote that something remains unchanged in its current condition. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English. It finds common usage across diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and general instructions. While semantically similar phrases exist, such as "in their current state" or "such as they are", "as they are" maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of communication needs. When employing this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the absence of alteration, providing clarity and consistency in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their current state

Focuses on the present condition or form of something.

in their existing form

Highlights the established or present structure of something.

in the condition they're in

Emphasizes the specific circumstances or shape something is in.

as they presently exist

Adds a sense of immediacy and actuality to the current state.

such as they are

Implies acceptance or acknowledgement of the current condition, often with a hint of reservation.

as things stand

Refers to the situation or circumstances at the present time.

in its present guise

Emphasizes the outward appearance or form something takes.

in their present incarnation

Suggests a current version or embodiment of something that may have evolved.

in the shape they are

Highlights the specific form or arrangement of something.

in the manner they are

Emphasizes the way that something is done.

FAQs

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

Use "as they are" to indicate that something remains in its original or current condition. For instance, "The documents should be filed "as they are", without any modifications."

What phrases are similar to "as they are"?

Similar phrases include "in their current state", "in their existing form", or "such as they are", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "leave them as is" instead of "leave them as they are"?

Both "leave them as is" and "leave them "as they are"" are correct, but "leave them as is" is more informal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

When should I avoid using the phrase "as they are"?

Avoid using "as they are" when describing something that has been changed or modified. It's more appropriate when emphasizing the unchanged state of an object or situation.