as they practice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they practice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that occur simultaneously with the act of practicing something, often in a learning or training context. Example: "Students improve their skills as they practice regularly in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If they're truly advanced, they don't radiate smugness as they practice difficult postures.

The New York Times - Health

The sounds originate from up-and-coming athletes — future flames in sports — as they practice.

The New York Times - Sports

QUESTION FROM KARLA: How do you feel about the negative depictions that still exist about Haiti, such as they practice voodoo, etc., that we keep hearing about?

The New Yorker

Chua chooses the instruments that her daughters will play — piano for the older one, Sophia; violin for the younger, Lulu — and stands over them as they practice for three, four, sometimes five hours at a stretch.

The New Yorker

Yet there is something that does make Tagliabue, as well as trainers and team physicians, nervous, and that is players' use of nutritional supplements, which can cause dehydration, and thus pose a health risk to players as they practice in the heat.

The New York Times - Sports

However, it's still advisable for parents to sit with kids as they practice texting for the first time, in order to talk about what's appropriate behavior.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Well, that's as much as they practiced all year.

The New York Times

This morning, Elliott surveyed the competition as they practiced their routines.

The New York Times - Magazine

Fans lined the last clay court, cheering players as they practiced.

The New York Times

Scores of heartier passengers crammed the small dance floor, and Emma and I watched, mesmerized, as they practiced the steps.

The New York Times - Travel

"What are you doing with those fans?" he asked a dozen women, as they practiced snapping open their props.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they practice" to describe concurrent actions during training or rehearsal, providing context to the activity. For example, "Developers receive expert help "as they practice" what they've learned."

Common error

Avoid using "as they practice" when describing a general habit or routine that isn't directly related to a specific training activity. For instance, instead of saying 'Students learn "as they practice" daily routines', specify the type of practice, such as 'Students improve "as they practice" their language skills daily'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they practice" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that an action is occurring concurrently with the act of practicing. Ludwig AI's examples show it describing what happens during someone's practice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Formal & Business

2.5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they practice" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating concurrent actions or observations during a practice session. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and general media. To make the most of the expression, ensure it clearly describes simultaneous activities. Keep in mind some suitable alternatives, for example while they train or during their rehearsals. Ludwig AI analysis suggests it maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they are training

Highlights the progressive nature of their training, indicating continuous development.

while they are training

Changes the focus to the ongoing activity of training, implying a broader scope than a specific practice session.

while they rehearse

Similar to 'while they train' but focused on rehearsal, often in the context of performing arts.

during their practice sessions

More specific and formal, emphasizing structured practice time.

during their rehearsals

Specifically emphasizes the time frame of rehearsals, suitable for performance-related contexts.

in their practice

More concise, referring to their overall approach or method of practicing.

as they hone their skills

Emphasizes the improvement and refinement of skills through practice.

while perfecting their technique

Highlights the effort to achieve flawlessness in their technique during practice.

during skill development

Focuses on the general process of skill enhancement, broader than just practice.

as they refine their craft

Emphasizes the artistic or specialized nature of the practice, suitable for creative fields.

FAQs

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

Use "as they practice" to describe something happening at the same time that someone is practicing. For example, "The coach observes the athletes "as they practice" their routines."

What are some alternatives to "as they practice"?

You can use alternatives such as "while they train", "during their rehearsals", or "during skill development" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as they practice" and "while they practice"?

While they are very similar, "as they practice" often implies a direct cause-and-effect or simultaneous observation, whereas "while they practice" simply indicates something happening during the practice time.

Can I use "as they practice" in formal writing?

Yes, "as they practice" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing processes or observations in academic or professional contexts. For instance, "The physicians study and learn "as they practice" medicine."