as you write

USAGE SUMMARY

'as you write' is a perfectly correct phrase of written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is occurring while someone is writing. For example, "As you write, be sure to keep your handwriting neat and legible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You learn very little as you write.

The Guardian

They will appear as you write and rewrite.

The New Yorker

A pen that records sounds as you write.

The New Yorker

As you write, you move up and down the dial".

The Guardian

So that it will make us happy, as you write?

The Guardian - Books

It's like you choose your own adventure as you write.

The Guardian

But as you write, we've since invented adolescence, middle age and various other stages.

The New York Times

And one of those dilemmas, as you write, centers on the unpredictability of our reactions.

The New Yorker

Plus, as you write, there's no need to import so much seafood.

The Guardian

Their victory was a surprise — even, as you write, to Hamas itself.

The New Yorker

The space will be growing through the month, as you write".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as you write", ensure the subsequent clause logically follows and describes something occurring simultaneously with the writing process itself.

Common error

Avoid using "as you write" when describing events that happen before or after the writing process. It should only refer to concurrent actions or thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as you write" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a clause that describes an action or state occurring simultaneously with the act of writing. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as you write" is a versatile conjunction phrase, widely employed to denote concurrent actions or considerations during the writing process. Ludwig, as confirmed by its examples, supports this phrase's grammatical correctness and common usage. Its prevalence spans diverse contexts like WikiHow, News & Media, and various other domains. It’s crucial to ensure the accompanying clause logically relates to the simultaneous act of writing to maintain clarity and coherence. Although the phrase is common, remembering to use it for actions that happen concurrently with the writing activity itself will help to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while writing

This alternative is more concise, replacing the conjunction "as" with "while" for a similar temporal relationship.

when you are writing

This alternative adds emphasis on the writer's active state, using a more explicit clause.

during the writing process

This phrase emphasizes the act of writing as a process, adding a layer of formality compared to the original.

as one writes

This alternative offers a generalized perspective, suitable for instructional or reflective contexts.

in the act of writing

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the specific moment when writing is occurring.

during composition

Focuses on the composition aspect, which is a synonym to writing. It is also more concise and formal.

upon writing

A more sophisticated alternative, implying immediacy and consequence tied to the writing action.

in the course of writing

This alternative is a bit more verbose, highlighting the duration of the writing activity.

whilst composing

This uses a more literary verb, 'composing', and the archaic 'whilst' for a heightened sense of formality.

while putting pen to paper

This idiom invokes the physical act of writing and suggests a more traditional or personal writing style.

FAQs

How can I use "as you write" in a sentence?

Use "as you write" to describe actions or thoughts that happen simultaneously with the process of writing. For example, "As you write, consider your audience and their potential biases."

What are some alternatives to "as you write"?

You can use alternatives like "while writing", "during the writing process", or "when you are writing" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "while you write" instead of "as you write"?

Yes, "while you write" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative to "as you write". Both phrases indicate that something else is happening at the same time as the writing process.

What should I keep in mind when using "as you write"?

Remember that "as you write" establishes a simultaneous action. Ensure the accompanying clause describes something occurring at the same time as the writing, not before or after. For example, consider the tone "as you revise".