as things stand — at present / in the current situation
expressionC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
Used to describe the situation as it is right now, often suggesting that things could change in the future.
Say it like a native
Textbook Considering the situation exactly as it is at the present moment in time, we can't afford it.
Native As things stand, we can't afford it.
'As things stand' is the natural way to flag the current, changeable situation; the long version is padding.
Pattern: as things stand, [clause]
In use
- As things stand, we don't have enough information to make a final decision.daily life
- As things stand, most people in my country still prefer traditional forms of communication, like face-to-face conversations, although that's gradually changing with new technology.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ As the things stand, we can't go.
✓ As things stand, we can't go.
No 'the' — the fixed phrase is 'as things stand'.
Common collocations
as things stand (at the moment)— at the moment, right now, currently, though
Don't confuse it
Similar to 'at the moment', but 'as things stand' is slightly more formal and often used to highlight that the situation could change.