are blinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are blinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is currently flashing or flickering, often in reference to lights or indicators. Example: "The warning lights on the dashboard are blinking, indicating a potential issue with the engine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Whole constellations are blinking off at once".

The New York Times - Science

His eyes are blinking fast and his face is tightened.

The New Yorker

Far out, in the darkness, two bright lights are blinking.

The New Yorker

Wiring them up with each accompanying resistor is like threading spaghetti through a sieve, and several hours and 17 lines of code later, I'm still struggling, as only half of the LEDs I have are blinking.

Independent

"Hands on a Hardbody" simply sings forth a story of endurance, hardship and the dimming American dream, which increasingly seems to hover on the distant horizon like some last-ditch motel whose neon lights are blinking out one by one.

The New York Times

Turns out all those eyeballs are blinking on actual human beings like you and me, and they are needier and more complicated than we were initially led to believe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And then you fall onto your knees, and you're looking at yourself, twice, both of you pitched forward, blinking in astonishment at a self who is blinking in astonishment at you, who are blinking in astonishment at him, who is blinking in astonishment at you. . . .

The New Yorker

It's blinking a lot more slowly than it was, but it's still blinking".

The New York Times

He was blinking rapidly.

The New Yorker

Kendall was blinking rapidly.

The New Yorker

Was blinking cool.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are blinking" to describe lights or indicators that are intermittently turning on and off, especially when indicating a warning or status change. For example, "The alert lights are blinking to warn of a potential system failure."

Common error

Avoid using "are blinking" when a more specific term like "flickering" or "flashing" better captures the nature of the light. "Flickering" suggests an unstable light source, while "flashing" implies a more rapid and intense light emission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are blinking" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present progressive tense of the verb "to blink". It describes an ongoing action performed by a plural subject. Ludwig examples show it describing lights, eyes, or abstract concepts in a state of intermittent illumination or rapid eye movement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are blinking" is a grammatically sound verb phrase describing an ongoing, intermittent action, typically related to light or rapid eye movement. Ludwig AI considers the phrase valid and usable in a variety of contexts. While not exceedingly common, with a few examples in the Ludwig database, its uses are most prevalent in News & Media, with some occurrences in scientific and wiki content. Related phrases such as ""are flashing"" and "are flickering" offer nuances in meaning that may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. When using the phrase, be precise in conveying the desired state or warning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are flashing

Emphasizes a more sudden and intense light emission compared to a regular blinking.

are flickering

Implies an unsteady or wavering light, often due to a faulty source.

are glimmering

Suggests a soft, often intermittent, light source.

are twinkling

Describes a sparkling or gently intermittent light, typically associated with stars.

are pulsating

Highlights a rhythmic expansion and contraction, often in reference to lights or abstract concepts.

are signaling

Focuses on the action of sending a message or warning through light.

are turning on and off

A more descriptive and less figurative way of expressing blinking.

are winking

Suggests a rapid, often playful, opening and closing movement, similar to blinking eyes.

are gleaming

Implies a steady bright or reflective light.

are coruscating

Describes a sparkling or glittering light, often in a more poetic or descriptive context.

FAQs

How can I use "are blinking" in a sentence?

You can use "are blinking" to describe lights or indicators that are turning on and off intermittently. For example: "The Christmas lights are blinking in the town square", or "The error messages "are flashing" on the computer screen."

What's the difference between "are blinking" and "are flashing"?

"Are blinking" implies a regular, rhythmic on-off pattern, while "are flashing" can suggest a more urgent, irregular, or intense burst of light. For instance, a warning light might be "flashing", while decorative lights "are blinking".

What can I say instead of "are blinking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are flickering", ""are flashing"", or "are turning on and off".

Is it correct to say "is blinking" instead of "are blinking"?

No, "is blinking" is for singular subjects, while "are blinking" is for plural subjects. For example, "The light is blinking" (singular) versus "The lights "are blinking"" (plural).