as things stand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things stand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the current situation or state of affairs at a given moment. Example: "As things stand, we are unable to proceed with the project until we receive further funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As things stand, that is.

Independent

As things stand, no.

The Guardian

As things stand, it would be defeated.

The Economist

As things stand, he's halfway there.

Independent

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

As things stand, he remains the last.

The Guardian - Opinion

As things stand, both are real possibilities.

The Washington Post

"But as things stand, I'm more worried.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things stand" to provide a snapshot of a situation before discussing potential changes or future actions. For example, "As things stand, the project is on schedule, but we need to monitor resource allocation carefully."

Common error

Avoid using "as things stand" when discussing long-term, unchanging truths. It's best suited for describing current, potentially transient states. For example, avoid saying "As things stand, the Earth revolves around the Sun."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things stand" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating the present state of affairs. As Ludwig confirms, it sets the context for subsequent statements, clarifying the situation at a given moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as things stand" is a very common adverbial phrase used to describe the current state of affairs. It is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to academic writing. According to Ludwig, it is primarily used to provide context and assessment before discussing potential changes or future actions. While versatile, it's important to use it when discussing current and potentially transient situations, not long-term, unchanging truths.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the moment

More literal and less formal equivalent.

currently

Single word synonym replacing the entire phrase.

given the current situation

Acknowledges the existing state of affairs.

in the present circumstances

More formal, emphasizing the existing conditions.

under the current conditions

Highlights the influence of present conditions.

as it now appears

Adds a sense of observation or deduction.

in the existing climate

More suitable when referring to attitudes or atmospheres.

in today's context

Emphasizes relevance to the present day.

for the time being

Implies a temporary state, shorter duration.

things being what they are

Informal, emphasizing acceptance of the current state.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as things stand" is typically used to describe the current state of a situation, implying that this state might change. Example: "As things stand, we are on track to meet our goals."

What phrases are similar to "as things stand"?

Similar phrases include "currently", "at the moment", and "in the present circumstances". These alternatives all convey the idea of the current state of affairs.

Is "as things stand" formal or informal?

"As things stand" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards formal usage. It's appropriate for business reports, news articles, and general conversation.

What's the difference between "as things stand" and "as it stands"?

While similar, "as things stand" focuses more on the overall situation and the various factors influencing it, whereas "as it stands" might refer to a specific element or plan. They are often interchangeable, but "as things stand" offers a broader perspective.