are being challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being challenged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is currently facing opposition or scrutiny. Example: "The traditional methods of teaching are being challenged by new educational technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But both traditions are being challenged.

The New York Times

Both decisions are being challenged in court.

The New York Times

Old assumptions are being challenged, clichés rejected.

The New York Times - Arts

Some of these laws are being challenged in court.

The New York Times

These decrees are being challenged in the courts.

The Economist

But the rules against mixing are being challenged.

The Economist

Even there, he said, traditional cues are being challenged.

The New York Times - Tech

And their bonds, like their joint enterprises, are being challenged.

The New York Times

I'm into challenges and these kids are being challenged.

The Guardian - Music

Those regulations are being challenged in court by Verizon and others.

The New York Times

The norms are being "challenged," a good thing, not "undermined," a bad thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being challenged", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the challenging. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the agent (the entity doing the challenging) when using the passive voice. Always consider whether specifying the agent would enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being challenged" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being challenged. It emphasizes that an entity or concept is currently facing opposition or scrutiny. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used in contexts where established norms or systems face new pressures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are being challenged" is a versatile phrase used to describe ongoing opposition or scrutiny. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing this phrase, ensure the agent of the challenge is clear to maintain precision. Consider alternatives like "are facing opposition" or "are under scrutiny" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey. By avoiding the omission of the agent when using the passive voice, you ensure clarity and make a greater impact. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are facing opposition

This alternative conveys a direct confrontation or resistance, emphasizing active dissent.

are under scrutiny

This alternative suggests a detailed examination, often implying potential criticism or investigation.

are facing difficulties

This alternative is a broader term, indicating general problems or hardships without specifying the source of the challenge.

are being questioned

This alternative highlights doubt or uncertainty, suggesting that the validity or truth of something is being examined.

are meeting resistance

This implies a force opposing progress or change, suggesting a struggle against an obstacle.

are encountering obstacles

This phrase focuses on impediments and barriers that need to be overcome.

are grappling with

This suggests a struggle to understand or deal with a complex issue.

are up against

This colloquial expression indicates a direct confrontation with a powerful opponent or difficult situation.

are contending with

This alternative emphasizes competition or rivalry, suggesting a struggle for dominance or success.

are battling against

This conveys a strong sense of conflict and struggle, often implying a fight against significant odds.

FAQs

How can I use "are being challenged" in a sentence?

Use "are being challenged" to describe something currently facing opposition or scrutiny. For example, "Traditional teaching methods "are being challenged" by online education platforms".

What's a good alternative to "are being challenged"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are facing opposition", "are under scrutiny", or "are being questioned".

Is "are being challenged" formal or informal?

"Are being challenged" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.

When should I use "are being challenged" instead of "are challenged"?

Use "are being challenged" to emphasize an ongoing process or current state of being challenged. "Are challenged" is a more general statement about the existence of a challenge, without necessarily implying it's happening right now.