as we swapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we swapped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurred simultaneously with another action, typically in the context of exchanging items or ideas. Example: "As we swapped stories about our travels, I realized we had visited many of the same places."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But as we swapped e-mails it quickly became clear that the real source of our collective dismay was actually gratitude, not ingratitude.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

And now a word from Dr. Bruce Weinstein, of Business Weeks Contradictory Statement Department: "Our social fabric is in danger of being ripped to shreds as we swap electronic connection for personal relationships.

TechCrunch

As teenagers we swapped records and comics.

The Guardian - Books

The first statement isn't explained; the second comes in a Freudian discussion of how, as children, we swap liberty for safety by doing as Mum and Dad say.

The Guardian - Books

Afterwards, as we all swap numbers and emails, there's much talk of when the next Branca performance is happening.

The Guardian - Music

We swapped annotations as follows.

BMC Systems Biology

We have prioritised a larger number of animals instead of hybridising all animals twice (with a dye swap), as we expect the biological variation to be greater than the technical variation.

BMC Genomics

The C-terminus of the B-chain of the analogue is disordered from PheB24 upward, likely because of the LysB28 ↔ ProB29 swap, as we observed the same phenomenon in the NMR structure of [LysB28,ProB29]-insulin [LysB28,ProB29]-insulinntal conditions (data not shown).

Biochemistry

Most of these contributors feel there is something misplaced about a referendum, as if we'd swapped our GPS for outdated maps and were still asking directions for a place we'd already found and enjoyed long ago.

The Guardian

We continued this guided random walk for as many swaps as needed to reach the target G2, or until we had performed 5000 attempted swaps.

BMC Systems Biology

"The people of Shiraz are very mellow," our guide told us the next morning, as we landed at Shiraz airport, swapping the smog of Tehran for a brilliant blue sky.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we swapped" to clearly indicate that two actions occurred simultaneously, particularly when describing the exchange of physical items, information, or experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "as we swapped" when the action isn't truly reciprocal. "Swapping" implies a two-way exchange, so ensure that both parties are giving and receiving something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we swapped" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that two actions occurred simultaneously. Ludwig provides examples of this usage in contexts ranging from exchanging emails to trading records.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we swapped" is grammatically correct and used to indicate that two actions occurred simultaneously, typically involving some form of exchange. According to Ludwig, its use is acceptable in a variety of contexts, but most commonly appears in news and media and scientific sources. The phrase has a neutral register, making it versatile for different writing styles, although formal writing may benefit from alternatives such as "while we exchanged". When using the phrase, it is important to ensure that the action is reciprocal and that it is relevant to the context. Overall, "as we swapped" is a useful phrase for conveying concurrent actions and exchanges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while we exchanged

Focuses on the mutual exchange occurring during the same timeframe, more formal.

as we traded

Emphasizes a reciprocal exchange, similar to 'swapped' but can apply to broader contexts.

during our exchange

Highlights the period when the exchange happened, shifting the focus to the timeframe.

in the process of exchanging

Stresses the action of exchanging, indicating a more prolonged or detailed process.

when we bartered

Implies a direct trade of goods or services without involving money.

upon our trade

Highlights the moment of exchanging, can imply the trade was a formal or significant deal.

when we switched

Highlights the action of switching something.

as we exchanged reciprocally

Highlights the reciprocal aspect of the exchange, making it sound more formal.

during the swap

Specifies the timing of events occurring in connection with a well-defined swap.

while carrying out the exchange

Emphasizes that the exchange happened in the past and that you're looking back.

FAQs

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

Use "as we swapped" to show that an exchange occurred simultaneously with another action. For example, "As we swapped stories, I realized we had a lot in common."

What can I say instead of "as we swapped"?

You can use alternatives like "while we exchanged", "as we traded", or "during our exchange" depending on the context.

Is "as we swapped" formal or informal?

"As we swapped" leans toward a neutral register but is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. Alternatives like "while we exchanged" might be more appropriate for formal settings.

What's the difference between "as we swapped" and "when we swapped"?

"As we swapped" emphasizes the simultaneity of the exchange with another action, while "when we swapped" simply indicates the timing of the event. "As" suggests a continuous action happening alongside something else.