are being crushed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being crushed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is currently undergoing pressure or force that is causing it to be flattened or destroyed. Example: "The grapes are being crushed to make wine, releasing their juices for fermentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Middle-income families are being crushed.

The New York Times

You feel you are being crushed.

The Guardian - Sport

The Steelers are being crushed by injuries right now.

The New York Times

New Yorkers are being crushed by the tax burden.

The New York Times

Tens of millions of Americans are being crushed by the overhang of mortgage debt.

The New York Times

Rather than suffering from weak governance, they are being crushed by an excessively strong state.

The New York Times

But honestly, if you're a small business owner today you are being crushed.

The Washington Post

Whole populations are being crushed between the tectonic plates of great-power rivalry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dissidents' voices are being silenced and their rights are being crushed.

The Guardian

"Because this is something America would never want to admit, that they are being crushed".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Freedom of expression is being crushed.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being crushed", ensure the context clearly indicates what is applying the crushing force and what is being affected. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "are being crushed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear. Consider whether active voice would create a stronger, more direct sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being crushed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being crushed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being crushed" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe situations where something is overwhelmed or under intense pressure. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider whether active voice might create a more impactful sentence. Alternatives like "are getting overwhelmed" or "are facing immense pressure" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are feeling the squeeze

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe being under financial or competitive pressure.

are getting overwhelmed

Focuses on the feeling of being overburdened rather than physical pressure.

are collapsing under the weight

Illustrates the failure to withstand a burden.

are under enormous strain

Highlights the level of stress and difficulty.

are facing immense pressure

Emphasizes the stress and strain being experienced.

are being stifled

Stresses the obstruction of growth or progress.

are being suppressed

Highlights the idea of being held back or restrained.

are reaching a breaking point

Emphasizes the limit of endurance under pressure.

are being overpowered

Conveys the sense of being overcome by a stronger force.

are being defeated

Focuses on the outcome of being overcome or subdued.

FAQs

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

You can use "are being crushed" to describe situations where something or someone is overwhelmed by pressure or force. For example, "Small businesses are being crushed by the rising cost of living."

What can I say instead of "are being crushed"?

You can use alternatives like "are getting overwhelmed", "are facing immense pressure", or "are feeling the squeeze" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with phrases like "are being crushed"?

While passive voice is grammatically correct, active voice often creates a stronger and more direct sentence. Consider rewriting to use active voice where appropriate to improve clarity and impact.

What does it mean when something is described as "being crushed"?

When something is described as "being crushed", it suggests that it is under significant pressure or force, leading to negative consequences such as failure, damage, or destruction.