are being persecuted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being persecuted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups who are currently experiencing oppression or hostility due to their beliefs, identity, or other characteristics. Example: "Many individuals in the region are being persecuted for their religious beliefs, leading to a humanitarian crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are being persecuted".

The New York Times

Austrians feel they are being persecuted.

The New York Times

Erdogan's government denies they are being persecuted for their writing.

The Guardian

In many cases the refugees are being persecuted by those whom the United States considers enemies.

Harvard University

The couple told the immigration adjudicator that they are being persecuted in the United States.

Independent

He said: "Christians are being persecuted throughout the Middle East and elsewhere.

The Guardian

The two students who will face charges are "being persecuted," they wrote.

The Washington Post

It doesn't show a progressive society, centred around a fear of people who are being persecuted.

The Guardian - Music

After all, who cares about pop music when minorities are being persecuted and abortion rights rescinded?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Niven, himself a homosexual, has fled Amsterdam, where gay men are being persecuted and publicly garroted.

The New York Times

Carriers of this mal d'arte often feel they are being persecuted, watched or followed.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being persecuted", provide specific examples or evidence to support the claim. Avoid making general statements without backing them up with concrete details, as unsubstantiated claims can undermine your credibility.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "are being persecuted" too frequently without providing sufficient context or explanation. Overuse can dilute the impact and may make the writing seem hyperbolic or lacking in nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being persecuted" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of persecution, rather than performing it. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction is grammatically correct and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being persecuted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe ongoing mistreatment and oppression. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively communicates that individuals or groups are experiencing unfair treatment. It's predominantly found in news and media contexts, reflecting its use in reporting instances of injustice. When using this phrase, providing specific examples to support the claim is essential to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "are facing persecution" or "are suffering persecution" can offer subtle variations in emphasis. The phrase carries a neutral tone and its frequent usage underscores its importance in discussing human rights and social justice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are facing persecution

This alternative replaces "being persecuted" with "facing persecution", emphasizing the ongoing experience of confronting persecution.

are suffering persecution

Using "suffering persecution" highlights the distress and hardship endured as a result of persecution.

are victims of persecution

This phrase directly labels the individuals as "victims of persecution", emphasizing their status as those harmed by it.

are subjected to persecution

The term "subjected to persecution" focuses on the act of being made to undergo persecution, highlighting the external forces at play.

endure persecution

Using "endure persecution" emphasizes the prolonged and sustained nature of the persecution experienced.

are targets of persecution

This phrase indicates that the individuals are intentionally singled out for persecution, emphasizing the discriminatory aspect.

are oppressed

This term focuses on the act of being subjected to unjust treatment or control.

are discriminated against

Using "discriminated against" highlights specific instances of prejudice and unfair treatment.

are marginalized

This phrase focuses on the act of being pushed to the edges of society or a group.

are unfairly targeted

The phrase "unfairly targeted" indicates unjust negative attention without necessarily involving systematic persecution.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says they "are being persecuted"?

Saying someone "are being persecuted" means they are experiencing persistent mistreatment and oppression, often due to their identity, beliefs, or affiliations.

What's the difference between "are being discriminated against" and "are being persecuted"?

"Are being discriminated against" refers to specific acts of prejudice or unfair treatment, while "are being persecuted" implies a broader and more systematic campaign of oppression and mistreatment.

What are some alternative phrases to "are being persecuted"?

Alternatives include "are facing persecution", "are suffering persecution", or "are oppressed", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning.

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

You can use "are being persecuted" to describe groups or individuals facing ongoing mistreatment, for example, "Religious minorities in the region are being persecuted for their beliefs".