as we watch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we watch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is happening simultaneously with the act of watching, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As we watch the sunset, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As we watch these films, I learn.

The New York Times

Yet two things haunt us as we watch.

The New Yorker

The rats running as we watch through the grating.

The New York Times

As we watch, Zimbabwe is becoming a totalitarian state.

The New York Times

And as we watch, the destruction of New Orleans unfolds before our eyes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As we watch medicine unfold, there is a lovely debate emerging around slow versus fast medicine.

Stanford University

All are welcome as we watch Columbia avenge last year's 28-6 loss to Dartmouth.

Columbia University

As we watch and listen, birds help us understand the living world.

Cornell University

In all cases the impression is that the pieces are being frantically formed as we watch.

The New York Times - Arts

As we watch him work, I find out more about The Black Light.

Independent

As we watch mesmerised, Operation Enduring Freedom unfolds on TV monitors across the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we watch" to create a sense of immediacy and engagement in your writing. It's effective for drawing readers into a scene or event.

Common error

Avoid using "as we watch" to describe events where the action is vague or lacks a clear subject. Ensure the sentence provides a clear context for what is being observed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we watch" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that describes an event happening simultaneously with the action of watching or observing. It connects the act of viewing with the unfolding events, adding a sense of immediacy. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we watch" is a grammatically sound and frequently used temporal conjunction that introduces a clause describing events unfolding concurrently with the act of observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news media, academic writing, and scientific reports, serving to narrate unfolding events and create a sense of immediacy. While it is generally neutral, overuse can lead to wordiness. Consider alternatives like "while we observe" or "as we observe" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we are seeing

Focuses on the present and ongoing nature of the event being watched.

as we observe

Slightly more formal than "as we watch", highlighting observation.

while we observe

Emphasizes a more detached and deliberate observation.

as we view

Focuses on visual perception, implying a specific viewpoint.

while witnessing

Emphasizes the act of witnessing something significant or noteworthy.

during our observation

Highlights the period of observation, making it more explicit.

during our viewing

Similar to observation, emphasizes the act of visual perception over a duration.

simultaneously watching

Directly states the act of watching happening at the same time.

contemporaneously

Stresses the simultaneity of the viewing and the event.

in real time

Implies the observation is happening live and unedited.

FAQs

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

Use "as we watch" to describe something happening simultaneously with the act of observing. For example, "As we watch, the city transforms into a glittering landscape."

What are some alternatives to "as we watch"?

You can use alternatives like "while we observe", "as we observe", or "as we view" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "history as we watch"?

The phrase "history "as we watch"" is acceptable when referring to events unfolding that are historically significant. However, ensure the context supports this interpretation.

What's the difference between "as we watch" and "as we are seeing"?

"As we watch" is more general, indicating observation, while "as we are seeing" emphasizes that the event is currently unfolding and visible to the observer.