as things go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things go" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a general observation or opinion about how situations or circumstances tend to unfold over time. Example: "As things go, I think we did quite well in the competition despite the challenges we faced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As soon as things go quiet, they start up again.

The Guardian - Arts

As things go, it is very good indeed".

The New York Times

War, as things go, is a fairly unironic exercise.

The New York Times - Arts

As things go here, it might as well be raining tadpoles.

The New York Times

"You'll see how things go, and, as things go, you'll act.

The New Yorker

As things go in Louisiana, the engineer happened to be Mr. Oynes's best friend.

The New York Times

As things go, however, you probably don't have much to worry about.

The Washington Post

"There will be some effects as things go up and things go down.

The New York Times

In his book, Easterbrook seeks to explain why we feel gloomy even as things go well.

The New York Times

They offer money and it is accepted, but that's as far as things go.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But that is as far as things went.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as things go", ensure the context is clear and the reader understands what 'things' are referring to. Clarity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "as things go" without clearly establishing what 'things' refer to. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the phrase's impact. Always ensure the context is evident to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things go" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to express a general observation or opinion about the current state or progression of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and commonly used expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as things go" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide context or express a general assessment of a situation's progress or current state. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, primarily appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While adaptable, ensure clarity by establishing what 'things' refer to. Alternatives like "given the circumstances" or "considering the situation" can be used to convey similar meanings, but the original phrase maintains a unique nuance of acknowledging the flow and progression of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as things are

Directly refers to the present conditions and their influence.

the way things are

Emphasizes accepting the present state as a basis for further action.

as matters stand

Indicates the current state and its implications for future development.

as it now stands

Focuses on the current status and its relevance to future outcomes.

considering the situation

Emphasizes evaluating the current state of affairs.

given the circumstances

Highlights the surrounding conditions influencing a situation's development.

under the present conditions

Stresses the existing conditions that dictate how things proceed.

in the current climate

Focuses on the present conditions affecting a situation, rather than its progression.

in the existing state of affairs

Highlights the current situation and its impact on ongoing events.

based on current developments

Highlights the ongoing progress and its effects on a situation.

FAQs

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

"As things go" is typically used to provide context or make a general observation about a situation's current state or progression. For example, "As things go, we're making steady progress on the project."

What are some alternatives to "as things go"?

You can use phrases like "given the circumstances", "considering the situation", or "as matters stand" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "as things go" formal or informal?

"As things go" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's generally more common in neutral to slightly informal settings. Its suitability depends on the specific context and audience.

What does "as things go" imply about a situation?

"As things go" generally implies an observation or assessment of how a situation is developing or currently stands. It often suggests a sense of acceptance or acknowledgement of the prevailing conditions.