as they walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they walk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or observations occurring simultaneously with the act of walking. Example: "They discussed their plans as they walk through the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Spurs boys are all smiles as they walk into a slightly misty White Hart Lane.

BBC

The missionaries talk as they walk.

The New York Times

As they walk away, Ruby's cake collapses.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Residents are subjected to identity checks as they walk around.

The Economist

The novel traces what happens as they walk and talk.

The New York Times - Books

Others pinch their noses as they walk by.

The New York Times

"People have two minds as they walk through it".

The New York Times

The Carters hold hands as they walk home.

The Washington Post

It engages shoppers as they walk by, enticing them in.

The Guardian

Stars still care about being photographed as they walk in.

The New York Times - Style

RIGHT: The Carters hold hands as they walk home.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they walk" to describe simultaneous actions or observations that occur while someone is walking, providing context or detail to the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "as they walk" when describing a state or condition that isn't directly related to the act of walking. For example, instead of saying "The building looked impressive as they walk", it's better to say "The building looked impressive" if their walking isn't relevant to its impressiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they walk" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It provides a temporal context for the action described in the main clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they walk" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe concurrent actions or observations. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and widely applicable. It is most commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts, serving to provide temporal context and descriptive details. While neutral in register, it's essential to ensure the phrase adds relevant information to the scene. Remember to use it to describe simultaneous actions, and avoid using it in cases that describe a state or condition. Consider alternatives like "while they are walking" or "during their walk" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while they are walking

Replaces "as" with "while", emphasizing the duration of the action of walking.

whilst walking

Uses the archaic form "whilst" instead of "while", maintaining the sense of simultaneous action.

as they stroll

Substitutes "walk" with "stroll", suggesting a more leisurely pace.

during their walk

Uses a noun phrase to describe the activity, shifting the focus slightly.

as they advance

Replaces "walk" with "advance", indicating forward movement.

as they proceed

Similar to "advance", but suggests a more formal or orderly movement.

while on foot

Emphasizes the mode of transportation rather than the specific action of walking.

as they trek

Implies a longer and more arduous journey than a simple walk.

during their perambulation

Uses a more formal and uncommon word for walking, indicating a deliberate or official walk.

on their way

Focuses on the journey rather than the manner of movement.

FAQs

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

Use "as they walk" to describe an action or observation that happens concurrently with the act of walking. For example, "They discussed their plans "as they walk" through the park".

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

You can use alternatives like "while they are walking", "during their walk", or "as they stroll" depending on the context.

Is "as they walk" formal or informal?

"As they walk" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "as they walk" and "while they walk"?

The phrases ""as they walk"" and "while they walk" are largely interchangeable and have very similar meanings. Both indicate that an action is happening at the same time as someone is walking.