as they talk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they talk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur simultaneously with a conversation or discussion. Example: "The children played in the background as they talk about their plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As they talk, listen carefully.

The New York Times

Barnes stands beside him as they talk.

The New Yorker

But as they talk, we can feel that deliquescing fish.

The Guardian - Books

As they talk, he notices her Northern accent.

The New Yorker

As they talk about her life, her unhappiness remains mysterious.

The New Yorker

As they talk, Katsumoto is being dressed by his valet.

The New York Times

As they talk, a couple of customers wander in.

The New York Times

A kind of bewildered atmosphere rises up around Kenneth Lonergan's characters as they talk.

The New Yorker

Waiting parents seem agitated as they talk to Valbona Hystuna, a teacher.

The Economist

As they talk, we see something flying end over end toward them.

The New Yorker

In the book, as they talk, he imagines his teacher as a gentle elephant.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they talk" to seamlessly integrate concurrent actions or observations with ongoing dialogue. For example, "As they talk, the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the field."

Common error

Avoid shifting verb tenses inconsistently within the sentence. For instance, don't write: "As they talk, he remembered what she said yesterday." Maintain consistent tense: "As they talked, he remembered what she had said yesterday."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they talk" functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a clause that describes an action or state concurrent with a conversation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to provide background or additional details related to the ongoing dialogue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they talk" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to depict simultaneous occurrences alongside a conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. Its frequency is 'very common', primarily observed in 'News & Media', 'Science' and 'Wiki' sources. When writing, ensure consistent verb tenses to avoid grammatical errors. Semantically, alternatives like "while they are talking" or "during their conversation" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis. By using "as they talk" effectively, writers can enrich their narratives with contextual details and dynamic descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while they are talking

This alternative uses a more explicit verb form to emphasize the ongoing nature of the conversation.

as they are in conversation

This version slightly expands the original phrase for added emphasis or clarity.

during their conversation

This phrase focuses on the period when the individuals are having a conversation, changing the sentence structure.

as they converse

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "converse", to denote the act of talking.

while in discussion

This phrase emphasizes the act of discussing a topic rather than simply talking.

in the course of their talk

This expresses the same idea using a slightly different prepositional phrase structure.

as the discussion unfolds

This implies a more dynamic and evolving conversation, adding a sense of progression.

during their dialogue

This alternative uses the noun "dialogue", suggesting a more structured or formal conversation.

when they speak

This alternative offers a more general timeframe whenever they are speaking, rather than specifically during a conversation.

while exchanging words

This phrase highlights the act of exchanging information or ideas through speech.

FAQs

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

Use "as they talk" to describe simultaneous actions occurring during a conversation. For example, "As they talk, they gesticulate wildly, their faces animated with excitement."

What are some alternatives to "as they talk"?

Alternatives include "while they are talking", "during their conversation", or "as they converse". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and formality of your writing.

Is it correct to say "as they are talking" instead of "as they talk"?

Yes, "as they are talking" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the continuous nature of the conversation. It is slightly more emphatic than "as they talk".

What is the difference between "as they talk" and "while they talk"?

Both phrases indicate simultaneous actions, but "while they talk" often implies a longer duration or a more habitual occurrence, whereas "as they talk" can refer to a specific instance.