as they cool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they cool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process that occurs simultaneously with the cooling of an object or substance. Example: "The cookies will become firmer as they cool on the baking sheet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most bodies shrink as they cool.

The Economist

Their crispness deepens as they cool.

The New York Times - Food

They will become crisp as they cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As they cool, the crust forms.

The New York Times

Sprinkle with extra salt as they cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Second, the dispersing continental fragments subside as they cool.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This will stop the beads sticking together as they cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will continue to bake slightly as they cool down.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I usually end up nibbling them off the baking sheet as they cool.

The New York Times - Food

A little underdone but remember they will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(Do not overcook; they will continue to cook as they cool).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in food texture, use "as they cool" to indicate the transformation happening simultaneously with the cooling process. For example, "The cookies will harden as they cool."

Common error

Avoid using "after they cool" when the intended meaning is that the change happens during the cooling process, not as a subsequent event. "As they cool" implies simultaneity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they cool" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when something occurs. It specifies the timing of an action or process, indicating that it happens simultaneously with the cooling process. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they cool" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe events occurring during a cooling process. Ludwig provides many examples showing its use in various contexts, from cooking to science. It functions as an adverbial clause of time, adding detail about when a particular change or action takes place. While alternatives like "while cooling" exist, "as they cool" directly links the process of cooling with the described effect. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers helpful context for its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while cooling

Focuses on the simultaneous action of cooling.

during cooling

Highlights the cooling period as the time frame.

as cooling occurs

More formal, emphasizing the process of cooling.

when they are cooling

Emphasizes the time at which the cooling occurs.

upon cooling

Highlights the immediate consequence of cooling.

on cooling down

Informal, similar meaning but with a slightly different tone.

after they cool down

Focuses on the state after the cooling process.

following cooling

Emphasizes the sequence of events with cooling first.

as temperature decreases

Replaces "they cool" with a more technical description of temperature.

while their temperature drops

Similar to "while cooling" but specifies temperature reduction.

FAQs

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

Use "as they cool" to describe something that happens during the cooling process. For example, "The glaze will crack "as they cool"."

What's a good alternative to "as they cool"?

Alternatives include "while cooling", "during the cooling process", or "when they are cooling" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "after they cool" instead of "as they cool"?

It depends on the intended meaning. "After they cool" implies something happens after the cooling is complete, while ""as they cool"" indicates it happens during the process.

Which is more formal, "as they cool" or "during cooling"?

"During cooling" is generally considered more formal than ""as they cool"", as it uses a more concise and technical phrasing.