as they stand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current state or condition of something without any changes or modifications. Example: "The rules are quite clear as they stand, and we must adhere to them until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"As they stand up, we will...have to keep standing up".

The Economist

But as they stand, the answer is: no, thanks.

The Economist

But Israel's terms as they stand are unacceptable.

The Economist

As they stand now, they are fairly complicated.

The New York Times

Here are the delegate counts as they stand:.

The Guardian

"I always prefer to just talk about the plays as they stand," he explains politely.

Independent

"None of the edge features are particularly useful as they stand," he wrote.

Independent

Almost immediately, Zarif tweeted, "The solutions are good for all, as they stand.

The New Yorker

"Jaguar designs as they stand today are not looking back," Mr. Tata said.

The New York Times

He said that his concern relates to GP commissioning plans as they stand.

The Guardian

Leaving the rules as they stand, however, is a gift to Wall Street's cleverest.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they stand" to clearly indicate that you are referring to the current state of something, without implying any changes or modifications. This can be useful in legal documents, technical specifications, or any situation where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "as they stand" when you intend to discuss potential future states or modifications. This phrase is strictly for describing the present condition, so ensure your wording accurately reflects the intended time frame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they stand" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, indicating the current state or condition of something. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across different source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they stand" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to denote the current state or condition of something. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When you need to emphasize the present state, without implying future changes, "as they stand" is a reliable and effective choice. Consider alternatives like "in their current state" or "as things are" for slight variations in tone. Be mindful to avoid using it when discussing potential future scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their current state

This alternative directly replaces "as they stand" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the present condition.

in its current condition

This alternative specifically refers to the state of repair or functionality.

in their present form

This option highlights the existing structure or configuration, similar to the original phrase.

as it is now

This is a simple and direct substitute, emphasizing the present moment.

as they are presently

Similar to "as it is now", but slightly more formal.

as things are

This is a more colloquial alternative, focusing on the general situation or circumstances.

as currently formulated

This emphasizes the specific way in which something is designed or expressed.

in the existing situation

This phrase emphasizes the broader context in which something is currently positioned.

under the current circumstances

This option stresses the conditions affecting the present state of affairs.

in its current iteration

Highlights that what we are talking about is a specific version of something that could change.

FAQs

What does "as they stand" mean?

The phrase "as they stand" means in their current condition or state. It's used to describe something without any changes or modifications.

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

You can use "as they stand" to refer to the current condition of something, for example: "The rules are clear "as they stand", and must be followed."

What can I say instead of "as they stand"?

Alternatives to "as they stand" include "in their current state", "in their present form", or "as things are" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "as it stand" instead of "as they stand"?

No, "as it stand" is grammatically incorrect when referring to multiple items or conditions. The correct form is ""as they stand"", using the plural pronoun "they".