how things proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss the progress or development of a situation or process. Example: "Let's wait and see how things proceed before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"It's not that we're ever going to let our intellectual properties go, but what we want to do is find studios where we have a joint appreciation for how things proceed forward.

Independent

The shareholder meeting on February 27 could be the scene of some major fireworks, depending on how things proceed.

TechCrunch

For now though, the team is taking the slow and steady approach — Kozuki and Cheng plan to bring the service to Portland, Ore., in the coming weeks, and we'll have to see how things proceed from there.

TechCrunch

The question that drives interest in Saturday's pay-per-view main event at T-Mobile Arena is who'll dictate how things proceed when the octagon door is clasped behind them.

Los Angeles Times

So much depends on how things proceed from here, but I think an ideal of participatory democracy combined with strong civil libertarian safeguards could be realized primarily using networked communications.

Vice

If that's how things proceed and the hearing in Grimm's case gets postponed a month, the Supreme Court could very well be fully staffed for what is now the biggest case of its current term.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This was how things proceeded for the next ten years; during my twenties and early thirties — during which I was drifting between North America and Jerusalem, academia and journalism — I produced twenty more articles.

The New Yorker

Parents also like to know how things are run, usually so they can inform foreigners of how smoothly things proceed back home.

The Guardian - Opinion

But how can things proceed when Keats cannot afford to marry and is already married to his work?

The Guardian - Film

"You do all of this knowing, of course, it is still up in the air how things will proceed".

The New York Times - Sports

No country has ever voted to leave the European Union before, and it's not clear how things will proceed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future plans or potential outcomes, use "how things proceed" to maintain a neutral and observational tone, allowing for flexibility in the face of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "how things proceed" excessively in highly formal writing. While grammatically correct, more sophisticated phrasing such as "the manner in which events progress" or "the way situations evolve" may be more appropriate for academic papers or business reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things proceed" functions as a relative clause, often acting as a noun phrase within a larger sentence. It describes the manner or method by which events develop or actions are carried out. As Ludwig AI states, it's considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how things proceed" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to discuss the unfolding of events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts. While not exceptionally common, this phrase offers a neutral tone that works well in news, general discussions, and even some professional settings. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "the manner in which events progress" or "the way situations evolve". Understanding its nuances and suitable replacements allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how matters unfold

Replaces "things" with "matters" and uses "unfold" instead of "proceed", emphasizing the revealing of events.

the manner in which events progress

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "how" with "the manner in which" and "things" with "events".

in what way developments occur

Focuses on "developments" instead of general "things", specifying a sense of progression.

the route actions take

Shifts focus to "actions" and their path, using "route" to represent the progression.

the fashion in which affairs transpire

Employs a more sophisticated vocabulary, substituting "things" with "affairs" and "proceed" with "transpire".

how circumstances play out

Uses "circumstances" and "play out" for a more vivid description of events unfolding.

the way situations evolve

Focuses on the evolution of "situations", suggesting a gradual change.

the methodology behind advancements

More specific, highlighting the method or system used for advancements.

the mechanisms of progression

Uses a more technical tone, referring to "mechanisms" to explain how progress occurs.

how the process advances

Focuses specifically on a defined "process" and its forward movement.

FAQs

How can I use "how things proceed" in a sentence?

You can use "how things proceed" to discuss the unfolding or progression of events. For example: "Let's wait and see "how things proceed" before making any decisions."

What phrases are similar to "how things proceed"?

Alternatives include "how things unfold", "the way things develop", or "the manner in which events progress". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "how things proceed" formal or informal?

"How things proceed" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from phrases like "the manner in which events progress".

What is the difference between "how things proceed" and "how things went"?

"How things proceed" refers to the future or ongoing progression of events, while "how things went" refers to past events. The former is prospective, the latter retrospective.