how it stands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how it stands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current state or condition of something, often in a context where a situation is being assessed or evaluated. Example: "Let's discuss how it stands with the project timeline and what adjustments we need to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

12.29pm BST How it stands: Standings after stage nine Photograph: /Guardian Full details of the races for the green, polka dot and white jerseys can be found right here.

The Guardian - Sport

There are fewer gags than usual — the humor, less broad, is revealed in details, like a sly hip shake — but the power of this ballet is how it stands on its own in classical aptitude.

The New York Times - Arts

What it offers is its great history—how it stands strong until now (given all the chaos of this political climate and the people that run it).

Vice

But it's not obvious how it stands up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With over 99% of votes counted, this is how it stands.

The Guardian

And that is how it stands now, as one of the soundest variations of the Sicilian.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

And for centuries, that's how it stood.

The New York Times - Tech

"It was like something that sprang forth one day and was just recorded," Mr. Sante said, recalling how it stood apart from the confrontational amateurism that defined the period's independent films.

The New York Times

That is how it stood until 14.24 in the third period when Jeff Mason netted the second goal for the Giants.

BBC

However a common criticism of the track was how it stood out in comparison into the more lyrically explicit music on F.A.M.E.

Wikipedia

If so, you'll already know how it stood up to a wash.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how it stands" when providing an update or assessment of a situation. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts. For example: "Let's review how it stands with the budget before making further decisions."

Common error

Avoid using "how it stands" interchangeably with phrases like "how it started" or "how it will end". "How it stands" focuses solely on the present condition, not the past or future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it stands" functions as a relative clause or noun phrase, often introducing a description of the current state or condition of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how it stands" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the current state or condition of something. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, it serves to inform, assess, or update on a situation. While versatile, it is important to use it accurately, focusing on the present and avoiding confusion with past or future states. Numerous authoritative sources confirm its common usage and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where things stand

Slightly different structure emphasizing position but with a similar meaning

current situation

Focuses specifically on the present circumstances, omitting the process that lead to the current state.

present state

Similar to current situation, but emphasizes a condition rather than general circumstances.

state of play

Commonly used to describe the current situation, often in competitive or strategic contexts.

as things are

More informal way to indicate the current reality or state of affairs.

the situation now

Focuses on the immediacy of the current conditions. More direct.

the lay of the land

Idiomatic expression referring to the current conditions or arrangement of a situation.

as it currently exists

Emphasizes that something is in its present form. More formal.

the existing circumstances

Formal and descriptive, emphasizing the conditions that currently prevail.

in its present form

Highlights the tangible aspect of something in its current condition.

FAQs

How can I use "how it stands" in a sentence?

"How it stands" is used to describe the current state or condition of something. For example, "This is "how it stands now" with the negotiations, with neither side willing to compromise."

What phrases are similar to "how it stands"?

Similar phrases include "as things are", "state of play", and "where things stand", all of which describe the current situation.

Is "how it stands" formal or informal?

"How it stands" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer phrases like "the existing circumstances".

What's the difference between "how it stands" and "how it stood"?

"How it stands" refers to the present, while "how it stood" refers to the past. For instance, "This is how it stands today, but yesterday, "this is how it stood"".