as they move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or changes occurring simultaneously with movement or progression. Example: "The dancers gracefully adjusted their formations as they move across the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two wear eyeglasses as they move.

The New York Times - Arts

Tracking someone's gaze as they move around is more difficult.

The Economist

As they move away there is no siren.

The New Yorker

Major composers wreck all categories as they move along.

The New Yorker

Sometimes the students must improvise verbally as they move.

The New York Times

This will be missed as they move to Modena.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet what happens as they move toward adolescence?

The New Yorker

As they move, the camera calmly recedes before them.

The New Yorker

"As they move forward, I think they'll get better.

The New York Times - Sports

"And Americans, as they move — as they first come here, as they move west, as they move out into the world — they're telling a story, and the story they are telling is the biblical story.

The New York Times - Arts

Beginners work on their basic skills as they move among a string of dingy clubs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they move" to clearly indicate that an action or state changes simultaneously with movement. This provides a sense of immediacy and connection between the two events.

Common error

Avoid mismatching tenses when using "as they move". Ensure that the verbs in both clauses are consistent to maintain clarity. For example, instead of "As they move, the building was collapsing", use "As they moved, the building collapsed" or "As they move, the building collapses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they move" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking two clauses to indicate that something happens concurrently with the act of moving. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they move" is a very common and grammatically sound conjunctive adverbial phrase that describes concurrent actions or changes during movement. It’s appropriate for a neutral register and frequently appears in news, science, and general writing. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability, so you can confidently use "as they move" to effectively connect movement with simultaneous events, enhancing clarity and context in your writing. Remember to maintain consistent tense agreement and consider more precise alternatives if the context requires them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while they are moving

Replaces "as" with "while" to emphasize simultaneity, and adds "are" for continuous tense.

in the process of moving

Highlights the process aspect of moving.

as they progress

Replaces "move" with "progress" to emphasize development or advancement.

during their movement

Uses a noun phrase to describe the action, rather than a verb.

as they advance

Uses "advance" to imply forward movement or progress.

when they proceed

Substitutes "move" with "proceed" for a more formal tone.

while in motion

A more concise way of expressing the idea of moving.

as they shift

Uses "shift" to suggest a change in position or state.

during the course of their motion

A more formal way of expressing "during their movement".

as they go

Simplifies the phrase using a more general verb.

FAQs

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

Use "as they move" to describe actions or states that occur concurrently with physical movement. For example, "The dancers adjusted their formations "as they move" across the stage".

What are some alternatives to "as they move"?

Alternatives include phrases like "while they are moving", "during their movement", or "in the process of moving", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is there a difference between "as they move" and "as they are moving"?

"As they move" generally implies a continuous or habitual action, while "as they are moving" emphasizes an action in progress at a specific moment. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Can "as they move" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as they move" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider whether a more precise or sophisticated alternative, such as "as they progress" or "during their transition", might be more appropriate depending on the context.