as things are now

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things are now" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current state of affairs or circumstances at a particular moment in time. Example: "As things are now, we need to reconsider our strategy to adapt to the changing market conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

As things are now, usually around six thousand living Americans donate kidneys each year.

The New Yorker

Q. Can you keep both restaurants open? A. Yes, we can, as things are now.

The New York Times

As things are now, Cameron rushes about overemoting, declaring her genius ("This is art!").

The New York Times

"FLYBOYS," which opened on Friday, is a modest film as things are now measured.

The New York Times

As things are now, we are little better off than guests of the Borgias.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Students said they would prefer to receive feedback on other skills besides communication, because as things were now, they felt they were just playacting.

Advances in Health Sciences Education

I thought I would not be able to touch her as usual, but things are now different.

BMC Medical Education

Android Things is now available as a developer preview.

TechCrunch

The social constructionist's goal is often to challenge the appearance of inevitability of the category in question; as things are arranged now, there are men and women, and people of different races.

SEP

As things are right now, they have enough power to call protesters for specific demonstrations and set some ground rules, but not enough to make them stop.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as things are now", ensure the context makes it clear what 'things' refers to. Ambiguity can be avoided by explicitly stating the area or situation being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "as things are now" without providing sufficient context. Ensure the reader understands what 'things' are being referred to, or the phrase may become vague and lose its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things are now" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by specifying the time frame or current state of affairs. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various sentences, emphasizing its role in setting the stage for subsequent statements or analyses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as things are now" serves as a versatile tool for indicating the current state of affairs across various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use in establishing a reference point for future discussions. While generally neutral in tone, being mindful of the audience and context is important; and depending on those considerations, a more formal option can replace "as things are now". The advice offered aims to promote clarity and precision in using the phrase, ensuring that the intended meaning is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it currently stands

Emphasizes the present state as a temporary condition.

in the present situation

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the situation rather than the general state of affairs.

given the current situation

Highlights the present circumstances as a given factor.

in the current circumstances

Replaces "as things are" with a more formal phrase focusing on the present conditions.

as it now exists

A more formal way to express the current state of being.

at the present moment

Focuses on the immediacy of the current state.

under the existing conditions

A more formal and specific way to refer to the current state.

in the current climate

Emphasizes the overall atmosphere or environment of the current situation.

in today's reality

Highlights the current state as the prevailing reality.

for the time being

Suggests that the current situation is temporary.

FAQs

What does "as things are now" mean?

The phrase "as things are now" refers to the present state of affairs or current circumstances. It is used to describe how matters currently stand, before any changes occur.

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

You can use "as things are now" to introduce a statement about the current situation, often as a prelude to discussing potential changes or consequences. For example: "As things are now, we cannot afford to expand our operations."

What can I say instead of "as things are now"?

Alternatives include "in the current circumstances", "as it currently stands", or "given the current situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as things are now" formal or informal?

The phrase "as things are now" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "under the existing conditions".