as things are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things are" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current state of affairs or circumstances without implying any changes or alterations. Example: "As things are, we must adapt our strategy to meet the current challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As long as things are going well.

The New York Times

As things are changing around them, the stars stay steady".

The New York Times - Travel

As bad as things are, they may get worse.

The New York Times

As bad as things are now, the regime can survive.

The New Yorker

As things are Downton will be a busy man.

The Guardian - Sport

Bad as things are, they may get worse.

The New York Times - Books

As tough as things are California does have a bright future in several industries.

University of California, Berkeley

So I'll never have a moment like that with the Islanders as things are currently structured.

The New York Times

As things are made at scales approaching individual atoms, he says, there will surely be limitations.

The Economist

But they're not going to exercise it as long as things are going well.

The New York Times

Just as things are winding down in camp, things are heating up out in the clearing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things are" to acknowledge the present reality before proposing a change or solution. For example: "As things are, the current budget does not allow for new hires, but we can explore alternative staffing solutions."

Common error

Avoid using "as things are" when discussing hypothetical or future scenarios. The phrase is best suited for describing the present state, not predicting what might happen. Use phrases like "if things continue" or "in the future" for hypothetical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things are" functions as an adverbial phrase, setting the context or describing the existing state of affairs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing numerous examples where it introduces a clause explaining the current situation. It often precedes a statement about the consequences or implications of the current state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as things are" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that effectively establishes context by describing the current situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in various sources, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to provide a baseline before presenting an analysis or suggesting a course of action. While similar phrases exist, "as things are" is a direct and neutral way to acknowledge the present reality. Remember to use it when referring to current situations and avoid using it for hypothetical scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the current situation

Focuses on the existing conditions or state of affairs.

given the present circumstances

Highlights the existing set of conditions that influence a decision or outcome.

in its current form

Emphasizes the existing structure or arrangement of something.

as it stands

Indicates the present condition or state without implying change.

under the existing conditions

Highlights the set of factors that are currently in place.

in the present climate

Refers to the prevailing atmosphere or environment, often used in business or political contexts.

as matters now stand

A more formal way to indicate the current state of affairs.

with the status quo

Focuses on maintaining the current state without alterations.

for the time being

Suggests that the current state is temporary and may change.

as of now

Emphasizes the immediacy of the current situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as things are" introduces a statement about the current situation. For example, "As things are, we cannot proceed with the project without additional funding."

What phrases are similar to "as things are"?

Similar phrases include "in the current situation", "given the present circumstances", and "as it stands".

Is it correct to say "as things are now"?

Yes, "as things are now" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the present state, though "as things are" is often sufficient.

What is the difference between "as things are" and "as things stand"?

Both "as things are" and "as things stand" refer to the current situation, but "as things stand" often implies a sense of finality or a point from which decisions must be made.