as they change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that evolves or transforms over time. Example: "The policies will be updated as they change to reflect the current needs of the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition artists can gain substance as they change contexts.

The New York Times - Arts

You have to search regularly for projects, as they change.

The Guardian - Money

They vote to repeal it as often as they change their socks!

The New York Times

I'm attuned to how the planes feel as they change direction.

The New York Times

Snakes may also assume threat postures as they change their body form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Flu viruses mutate rapidly, and usually they get weaker as they change, not stronger.

The New Yorker

Take the trail of small pension pots that people leave behind them as they change jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

My favourite dish varies as often as they change the menu.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are keeping their media agencies as they change their creative agencies.

The New York Times

Sales taxes are less obvious, as they change the price of goods a consumer buys rather than his income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fry the pumpkin in small batches, for about 5 minutes – as soon as they change colour they are ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they change", ensure the subject of the phrase is clearly defined and that the context makes the nature of the change easily understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "as they change" when the subject undergoing change is unclear or implied. Always explicitly state what is changing to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they change" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a concurrent or consequential relationship between an action and a transformation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they change" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe processes and transformations over time. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is generally clear, writers should ensure that the subject of change is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "as they vary" or "as they evolve" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they vary

Focuses on the differences that emerge during the transformation.

as they shift

Emphasizes a change in position or state.

as they alter

Highlights the act of modifying or adjusting.

as they modify

Implies a deliberate adjustment to something.

as they evolve

Suggests a gradual development or unfolding.

as they transform

Indicates a significant change in form or appearance.

in their evolution

Implies a gradual process of development.

during their alteration

Focuses on the period when something is being changed.

while in transition

Highlights a state of being between two conditions.

with gradual modifications

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "as they change" to describe how something evolves over time. For example, "We need to adapt our strategies as they change to remain competitive."

What are some alternatives to "as they change"?

Alternatives include "as they vary", "as they shift", or "as they evolve", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"As they change" implies a continuous process of transformation, while "when they change" suggests a specific point in time when a change occurs. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the process or a particular moment.

How formal is the phrase "as they change"?

The phrase "as they change" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is widespread in news, scientific articles, and everyday conversation.