are discussing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are discussing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an ongoing conversation or dialogue about a particular topic. Example: "In today's meeting, we are discussing the new marketing strategy for the upcoming quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are discussing murder.

The Economist

"They are discussing general things".

The New York Times

We are discussing it.

The Guardian - Books

They are discussing it in many languages.

The New Yorker

"But we are discussing the possibility.

Independent

We are discussing a Pinter play.

The New York Times

"We are discussing how to bring peace.

The New York Times

"Most people are discussing what is next".

The New York Times

We are discussing specific questions.

The Guardian

We are discussing abstract artists.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are discussing the matter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are discussing" to indicate an ongoing exchange of ideas or information. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "are discussing" in very formal writing. Consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "deliberating", "analyzing", or "examining" to convey a more academic or professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are discussing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the present continuous tense of the verb "discuss". It indicates an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are discussing" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing conversation or deliberation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to general conversations, it's important to consider the register. In formal settings, more precise alternatives like "analyzing" or "examining" might be more appropriate. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, reflecting its neutral tone and widespread use in reporting current events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are talking about

Emphasizes the act of speaking about a topic, less formal than "discussing".

are conversing on

Highlights a formal exchange of ideas on a subject.

are in conversation about

Suggests a continuous exchange of thoughts regarding a subject.

are debating

Highlights an argumentative exchange of different perspectives.

are addressing

Emphasizes the act of dealing with a subject or problem.

are considering

Focuses on the evaluation and contemplation of a matter.

are reviewing

Suggests an examination or assessment of something.

are exploring

Implies a deeper investigation into a subject.

are analyzing

Focuses on the methodical examination of a topic.

are touching on

Indicates briefly mentioning or introducing a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "are discussing" to describe an ongoing conversation about a specific topic. For example: "The board members "are discussing" the company's financial performance".

What are some alternatives to "are discussing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "are talking about", "are debating", or "are considering".

Is "are discussing" appropriate for formal writing?

"Are discussing" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise alternatives like "are analyzing" or "are examining" for increased sophistication.

What is the difference between "are discussing" and "are talking about"?

"Are discussing" implies a more focused and potentially formal conversation, while "are talking about" is more general and can refer to casual conversation.