as things develop

USAGE SUMMARY

"as things develop" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to changes or progress that are happening over a period of time, such as in a situation or relationship. For example, "As things develop between us, I'm starting to think that our friendship is becoming something more special."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I think as things develop we can start to adjust our objectives to better achievements.

The New York Times - Sports

Fortunately, I've got a good relationship so that he will share with me his insights as things develop.

The New York Times

So as things develop, there might be some changes to the policy, and relevant departments are considering this".

The New York Times

You see and sense everybody — where they are, where they're headed, as things develop in almost constant motion.

The New Yorker

As things develop, you get separated from that by P.R. people and distributors and all that stuff.

The New York Times - Arts

A plot development near the end of Part 1 suggests that Natalie Martinez, who plays a deputy sheriff, will have more to do as things develop.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We said we'd be in touch with them as things developed".

The New York Times

As things developed, Dahlgren had not much better luck than DuPont.

The New York Times

He was in his hometown of Mansoura in the Nile Delta, but went to Tahrir Square as things developed.

The Guardian

Pop art essentialized — or freeze-dried, as things developed — a national dream of at least consumerist democracy.

The New Yorker

Coordination is important, but as you can never plan for everything online, we found we also needed to be ready to react quickly as things developed.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things develop" to indicate adjustments or changes based on unfolding circumstances, particularly when forecasting or planning. For instance, "We'll adjust our strategy as things develop in the market."

Common error

Avoid using "as things develop" as a simple substitute for "if" or "when". "As things develop" implies a process of unfolding events, whereas "if" introduces a conditional statement. For example, instead of "As things develop it rains, we'll move inside," say "If it rains, we'll move inside."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things develop" functions as an adverbial clause of time, introducing circumstances that influence the main clause. It indicates that actions or decisions are contingent upon how events unfold.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as things develop" is a versatile phrase used to denote that plans, decisions, or understanding may change according to how events progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a process of unfolding events influencing subsequent actions. While the phrase is appropriate across different contexts, it's important to distinguish it from simple conditional statements or static temporal markers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the situation unfolds

Similar to "as events unfold", emphasizing a specific situation.

as events unfold

Replaces "things" with "events" focusing specifically on happenings or occurrences.

as matters progress

Substitutes "things" with "matters" and "develop" with "progress", suggesting a more formal tone and emphasis on forward movement.

as situations evolve

Replaces "things" with "situations" and "develop" with "evolve", highlighting gradual change and adaptation.

in the course of events

Offers a more descriptive and somewhat literary way to convey the idea of things happening over time.

as time passes

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the passage of time as the catalyst for development.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the role of time in enabling developments.

as circumstances change

Highlights alterations in conditions or surroundings rather than a general process.

in due course

Suggests events will happen at an appropriate time without specifying development.

over time

A broader term that indicates something changes or happens gradually

FAQs

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

You can use "as things develop" to indicate a process of unfolding events or changes that influence subsequent decisions or actions. For example, "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates "as things develop"."

What phrases are similar to "as things develop"?

Similar phrases include "as events unfold", "as matters progress", or "as the situation unfolds". The best alternative depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "as things develop" formal or informal?

"As things develop" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. It is generally considered neutral and acceptable in most writing and speaking situations.

What's the difference between "as things develop" and "as things evolve"?

While both phrases suggest change over time, "as things develop" implies a more directed or planned progression, while "as things evolve" suggests a more natural or organic transformation. You would use "as things develop" when referring to a project with defined stages, and "as things evolve" when referring to a natural process.