as we paddle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we paddle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to activities involving paddling, such as kayaking, canoeing, or rowing, often to describe actions or experiences occurring during that activity. Example: "As we paddle down the river, we can enjoy the beautiful scenery around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Yet the appeal of such urban exploration becomes apparent as we paddle on through Birmingham's suburbs.

The Guardian - Travel

As we paddle back out, he announces, "November is big and stupid".

The New Yorker

As we paddle back, checking traps, Mr Boun tells me about a 30kg catfish he caught, "shaped like a shark".

The Guardian - Travel

"We call this the Grand Canyon," says Wolfe, showing his flair for advertising, as we paddle through a mini-gorge 15ft tall.

The Guardian

As we paddle between willows, sycamores and great thickets of reeds, we glide past a group of herons sunning themselves on the concrete banks, while a school of egrets emerges from the bushes.

The Guardian

As we paddle past slopes of kale and peanut, he explains net fishing tactics: wear it like a cape over one shoulder, separate half into the opposite hand and fling from the waist, spreading it like a tablecloth.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As we paddled south the outgoing tide was with us.

The New York Times - Arts

"Don't worry," Mr. Kaplan said as we paddled onward.

The New York Times - Travel

Not a breath of air stirred as we paddled rhythmically along.

The New York Times - Travel

"You really got a rhythm going on that one," he said as we paddled back out.

The New Yorker

As we paddled between cypresses, mirliton vines, kingfishers, heron and a few of the estuary's other 735 species, Mr. St.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we paddle" to vividly describe experiences and observations while actively engaged in paddling. This enhances the reader's sense of immersion and immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "as we paddle" with static verbs that don't describe actions occurring simultaneously with the paddling. For example, instead of "as we paddle, we knew...", use "as we paddled, we realized...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we paddle" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that the action of paddling is concurrent with another event or observation. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe scenery, conversations, or other activities happening while paddling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as we paddle" is a versatile tool for creating vivid and immersive narratives, particularly in travel writing and descriptive storytelling. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting the scene and connecting the act of paddling with concurrent observations and experiences. While grammatically straightforward, its nuanced usage allows for enhanced reader engagement. Remember to use it with dynamic verbs to maximize its impact and avoid common errors. Alternatives such as "while we're paddling" or "during our paddling" offer subtle shifts in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we're paddling

Replaces "as" with "while" and uses a contraction, maintaining the same temporal relationship but with a slightly more informal tone.

as we are rowing

Substitutes the verb "paddle" with "row", altering the specific type of watercraft activity.

as we kayak

Replaces "paddle" with the more specific verb "kayak", focusing on the type of boat being used.

as we are canoeing

Substitutes "paddle" with the specific verb "canoeing", clarifying the water activity.

during our paddling

Uses a possessive pronoun and gerund to describe the time frame, creating a more noun-focused sentence.

while we navigate

Uses a more general verb "navigate" instead of the specific action of paddling, broadening the scope of movement.

as we traverse

Uses "traverse" instead of paddle to convey the idea of crossing a body of water.

as we cruise

Employs the verb "cruise" to indicate a more leisurely movement on the water, shifting the tone slightly.

as we drift

Replaces "paddle" with "drift", suggesting a passive movement on the water rather than active propulsion.

during our boat ride

Focuses on the overall experience of a boat ride, rather than the specific action of paddling.

FAQs

How can I use "as we paddle" in a sentence?

"As we paddle" is typically used to describe something happening at the same time as the act of paddling, such as "as we paddle downstream, we saw many birds".

What are some alternatives to "as we paddle"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "while we row", "during our paddling", or "as we kayak".

Is it correct to say "as we paddled" instead of "as we paddle"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "as we paddle" implies a continuous or habitual action, while "as we paddled" refers to a specific past event. The choice depends on the intended meaning and tense of the sentence.

What's the difference between "as we paddle" and "while we paddle"?

While both indicate simultaneous actions, "as we paddle" can suggest a stronger connection between the paddling and the described event, whereas "while we paddle" simply indicates that two actions are happening at the same time.