as things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the current state of affairs or circumstances. Example: "As things stand, we will need to reconsider our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As things.

The New York Times - Science

As things stand, that is.

Independent

As things stand, it would be defeated.

The Economist

That's as frightening as things get.

The New Yorker

As things stand, he's halfway there.

Independent

As long as things are going well.

The New York Times

That was as dramatic as things got.

The New York Times - Arts

No chance of that, as things stand.

Independent

But, as things stand, Ashton is out.

Independent

As things stand, he is probably right.

The Economist

As things stand, America will block it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things" to provide context or a snapshot of the current situation before explaining potential future outcomes or necessary actions. It helps to set the stage for your argument or analysis.

Common error

Avoid embedding "as things" within already convoluted sentences. Ensure clarity by using it to introduce a concise observation about the existing circumstances before moving to more detailed points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that sets the context or describes the current situation. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently followed by verbs like "stand", "are", or "turn out" to elaborate on the existing circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as things" is a versatile and commonly used expression to set the context in a sentence, indicating the current state or situation before discussing potential outcomes or necessary actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted across various writing styles, but most prevalently in neutral register contexts such as news and media. While perfectly acceptable in many situations, you should be mindful of the writing style. By using alternatives like "as it stands" or "under the circumstances", you may better convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it stands

Emphasizes the current state without necessarily implying change or progress.

as matters now stand

More formal version of "as it stands", emphasizing the factual status of the situation.

given the situation

Similar to "under the circumstances" but puts more focus in the specific situation.

under the circumstances

Highlights the specific conditions influencing a decision or outcome, emphasizing the situational constraints.

the way things are

Focuses on the reality and acceptance of a situation, often implying a sense of resignation or acknowledgment.

in the current climate

Focuses on the present atmosphere or conditions affecting a situation, emphasizing the prevailing environment.

in the present condition

More formal alternative that stresses that are currently taking place or existing.

considering the facts

Highlights that decision are made or outcomes occur based upon available information and circumstances.

based on current events

Focuses on ongoing events or developments as the foundation for understanding the current state.

at this juncture

Indicates a critical point in time or a turning point in the progression of events.

FAQs

How can I use "as things" in a sentence?

The phrase "as things" is used to describe the current state or situation. For example, "as things stand, we are on track to meet our goals", indicates our current progress. It's often followed by a statement about possible outcomes or needed actions.

What does "as things" mean?

The expression "as things" refers to the existing conditions or the present state of affairs. It's a way to set the scene before making a statement about what might happen next or what needs to be considered. It often implicitly refers to a process in time.

What are some alternatives to "as things"?

You can use phrases such as "as it stands", "in the current climate", or "under the circumstances" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "as things are" instead of "as things"?

Yes, "as things are" is a correct and commonly used alternative. It emphasizes the present state, similar to "as things", but adds a sense of permanence or stability. Both expressions are often interchangeable.