as things were

USAGE SUMMARY

"as things were" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a past moment or suggestion that has changed since then. For example: We considered that plan initially, but as things were, it wasn't feasible.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a big breakthrough for England just as things were beginning to slip away from them.

The Guardian - Sport

We left them at a local village, just as things were getting really fun.

Independent

But as weird as things were Friday, they could become even weirder.

The New York Times - Sports

The explosion occurred just as things were supposed to be winding down.

The New York Times

Before this we simply didn't require such a word, as things were, presumably, inherently interesting.

Independent

It's all very very risky," Clegg told Laws in 2012, wholly accurately as things were to turn out.

The Guardian

Even as things were, he might not have been discovered if he hadn't looked like Groucho Marx.

The New Yorker

It wasn't when to signal danger as things were turning perilous; it was a question of discovering who to tell.

The Guardian

As things were, he was left at the age of sixteen with only one eye functioning, and that only partly.

The New Yorker

Still, she'd come to a breaking point, and it seemed impossible to go on as things were.

The New York Times

The problem was that just as things were gathering momentum, Flintoff damaged the ligaments in his left ankle in a fielding drill.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things were" to set a historical context or to explain why decisions were made based on past conditions. It's effective for clarifying shifts or changes in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "as things were" when describing current conditions. This phrase specifically refers to a past state that differs from the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things were" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by providing context about a past state of affairs. It sets the stage for understanding why something happened or why a decision was made, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as things were" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase to refer to a past situation, providing context or justification for subsequent events. As indicated by Ludwig, it's commonly found in news and media contexts. While its register is generally neutral, understanding its proper temporal context is crucial to avoid errors. Consider alternatives like "under the circumstances" or "given the situation" to add nuance. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, you can use this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it stood then

Focuses on the state of something at a particular point in the past.

given the situation

Highlights the existing circumstances as a starting point.

in the then-current situation

Emphasizes that the situation was current at a specific point in the past.

under the circumstances

Focuses on the specific conditions affecting a situation.

under those conditions

Similar to "under the circumstances", specifying particular conditions.

in that situation

Refers to a specific state of affairs that existed.

considering the conditions

Emphasizes a thoughtful evaluation of the existing conditions.

in its previous state

Refers to a former condition or form.

at the time

Highlights a specific moment in the past.

based on what existed

Highlights the foundations of a past condition or event.

FAQs

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

Use "as things were" to describe a past situation that influenced a subsequent event or decision. For example, "As things were, we had no other choice but to proceed."

What does "as things were" mean?

"As things were" means 'in the state or condition that existed at a particular time in the past'. It's used to provide context or justification based on previous circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "as things were"?

Alternatives include "under the circumstances", "given the situation", or "at the time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "as things are" instead of "as things were"?

The phrase "as things are" refers to the present situation, while "as things were" refers to a past situation. Using "as things are" when you mean to discuss the past would be incorrect.