Proportional progression (по мере того как)

To express that two continuous processes are happening simultaneously and in proportion to each other, Russian uses the compound conjunction по мере того как (as / in proportion as / while).

as
по мере того как
As we mature, we change.
По мере того как мы взрослеем, мы изменяемся.

Placement and Punctuation

The way you punctuate по мере того как depends on where it appears in the sentence:

  • At the beginning of a sentence: The conjunction is written as a single phrase without any internal commas. A comma separates the entire subordinate clause from the main clause that follows.
As a person matures, he accumulates wisdom.
По мере того как человек взрослеет, он накапливает мудрость.
  • In the middle of a sentence: When the subordinate clause comes after the main clause, the comma is typically placed inside the conjunction, right before как.
Our confidence grows as we acquire experience.
Наша уверенность растёт по мере того, как мы приобретаем опыт.

Mastering Skills

You will frequently see this grammar used to describe gradual improvement, learning, and professional development.

As you improve your skills, you become a professional.
По мере того как вы совершенствуете навыки, вы становитесь профессионалом.

The Process of Aging

Similarly, it is the perfect structure for describing the slow, progressive physical and mental changes of aging.

As we age, the body weakens, and wrinkles appear.
По мере того как мы стареем, тело слабеет, и появляются морщины.
The world around us changes as memory weakens.
Мир вокруг нас изменяется по мере того, как память слабеет.
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