as they are vs how they are

The phrases 'as they are' and 'how they are' have different meanings and are not directly comparable. 'As they are' is used to describe something in its current state, while 'how they are' is used to inquire about the manner or condition of something. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1028 views

The phrase 'as they are' is correct and commonly used in English to describe something in its current state.

"as they are"

This phrase is used to refer to the existing condition or state of something without any changes or modifications.

Examples:

Let's leave things as they are for now.
I like the paintings as they are; I don't want to add anything to them.
Accept people as they are; everyone is unique.
The instructions are clear as they are written.
I prefer to see things as they are, without any illusions.

Show examples from the web [+]

But we are going to post these webcasts as they are.
The callas look beautiful as they are.
They're as addictive as they are poisonous.
Hour I understand as they are the things.
And you have to leave as they are.
We're just reporting things as they are.
This lets you glimpse things as they are.
All the arrangements regarding Thomas will stay as they are.
I can only hope that things stay as they are.
You honor me. I think things are best left as they are.
I am stating the facts as they are.
Do not reproach me for describing the facts as they are.
But let us take things as they are.
The report presented in plenary has the virtue of finally seeing things as they are.
You're being just as condescending as they are.
It should not disadvantage more sustainable modes, as they are favoured by the EU transport policy.
His sisters are reputed to be as clever as they are beautiful.
The instruments of power are as mysterious as they are burdensome.
Girl friendships are as perplexing as they are pleasurable.
The Esquilache Riots stay as they are.

Alternatives:

in their current state
in their present condition
without alterations
without changes
in their natural state

The phrase 'how they are' is correct and commonly used in English to inquire about the manner or condition of something.

"how they are"

This phrase is used to ask about the state, condition, or manner in which something exists or is done.

Examples:

Can you show me how they are connected?
I wonder how they are feeling after the incident.
Could you explain how they are related to each other?
I'm curious about how they are planning to proceed.
Do you know how they are handling the situation?

Show examples from the web [+]

You know how they are with us.
Major, look how they are reduced.
She likes things how they are.
Admiral Chegwidden wants to know how they are.
You know how they are, these colonels.
One imagines things differently to how they are, and forgets coincidence.
You know how they are with their own.
They're supposed to have dinner at the residence, but you know how they are.
When you talk about the benefits, we need to know how they are distributed.
And they actually tell you how they are!
That's what I told them, but you know how they are.
We have no idea how they are communicating.
You know how they are about cinema.
Well, you know how they are.
We have heard how they are used to train your officers.
You will tell me now how they are planning to take me.
Modern medical science cannot explain how they are able to move.
You know how they are about Leap Day.
Use Matsu to find out how they are.
With other countries it's easy to imagine how they are.

Alternatives:

in what way they are
the manner in which they are
the condition they are in
the way they are
the state they are in

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as they are vs how they are

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"how they are"

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