are containing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are containing" is not standard in written English and is generally considered incorrect.
It is typically used incorrectly in place of "contain" or "are contained in" when describing the presence of something within another thing. Example: "The documents are containing sensitive information that must be protected."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Mr. Lipscomb motors under the Tappan Zee Bridge, checking to make sure that painting contractors are containing the hazardous paint chips and rust they are sandblasting off the sides of the structure.

The New York Times

"When I said that we are containing their spread in Iraq and Syria – in fact, they control less territory than they did last year," said Obama at the G20 on Monday.

The Guardian

Other challenges are containing the rampant corruption of governors chosen by President Hamid Karzai, better integrating sometimes contradictory international efforts and limiting the degree to which Pakistan and Iran meddle.

The New York Times

As for the Australians, they are containing any drift towards smugness with commendable style, partly because the representatives they have put forward for interrogation after their impressive Melbourne win, Chris Rogers and Nathan Lyon, are not familiar with the notion of condescension or triumphalism.

The Guardian - Sport

We are containing this rage, so they should thank me.

BBC

Moreover, According to Cay et al. (2007) those three dyes are containing different reactive groups!

Fashion and Textiles

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Therefore, the ARE database was used to identify ARE-containing genes among those regulated by NO.

BMC Genomics

This strongly suggests that many ARE-containing mRNAs are essential for germ cell differentiation.

Plosone

Comparative analysis of ARE-repertoire [18] and germ cell transcriptome [19] revealed that numerous ARE-containing mRNAs are expressed in mouse and human germ cells.

Plosone

In the current investigation, ARE- containing genes including IL-8 and p21 were over-represented among NO-regulated genes.

BMC Genomics

However, for destabilising proteins to form stable complexes with ARE-containing mRNAs many AUUUA pentamers are usually required (Bevilacqua et al, 2003).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, replace "are containing" with more accurate alternatives such as "contain", "include", or "are comprised of" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using the present continuous form ("are containing") when a simple present tense ("contain") or passive voice ("are contained in") is more appropriate to describe a state of inclusion. The continuous form often implies an ongoing action, which may not be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are containing" is a verb phrase that attempts to use the present continuous tense. However, it is often grammatically incorrect when intending to describe a state of inclusion. Ludwig AI suggests using alternative phrases such as "contain", "include", or "are comprised of".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are containing" is often grammatically incorrect and should be used with caution. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is frequently misused in place of simpler and more accurate alternatives like "contain", "include", or "are comprised of". While common across various sources, especially in Science and News & Media, its incorrect usage impacts its suitability for formal writing. Be mindful of the intended meaning and choose a more precise alternative to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Ludwig's advice is always prefer the simplest and most correct solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contain

Uses the base verb form to indicate inclusion or possession directly.

include

Emphasizes that something is part of a larger whole.

are comprised of

Highlights that something is made up of specific components.

are composed of

Similar to "are comprised of", but emphasizes the act of putting something together.

are holding

Suggests a physical or abstract holding of something within.

consist of

Focuses on the elements that make up a whole.

encompass

Implies a broader inclusion or coverage.

embody

Suggests that something is a tangible representation of something else.

incorporate

Highlights the act of integrating something into a larger structure.

feature

Emphasizes that something is a prominent part or aspect.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use "contain" in the present tense?

The simple present tense, "contain", is generally preferred. For example, "The box contains books", not "The box is containing books". Alternatively, use the passive form: "The books are contained in the box".

Is "are containing" ever grammatically correct?

While rarely appropriate, "are containing" could be used in specific contexts where an ongoing action of containment is emphasized. However, more precise alternatives like "are in the process of containing" are often better choices. The phrase "are in the process of containing" is more clear.

What are common synonyms for "are containing"?

Depending on the context, synonyms include "include", "comprise", "hold", or "encompass". Choose the word that best fits the meaning you want to convey.

Which is more appropriate: "documents that contain sensitive information" or "documents that are containing sensitive information"?

"Documents that contain sensitive information" is more appropriate because it uses the simple present tense to describe a state of being. "Documents that are containing sensitive information" is grammatically incorrect and awkward.