are having

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are having" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the present continuous tense to describe an ongoing action or situation. Example: "They are having a meeting right now to discuss the project updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are having everything.

Independent

ROBOTS are having their moment.

The Economist

You are having that fight".

Independent

They are having light lunches.

The New Yorker

"People are having breakfast".

The New York Times

Most are having fun.

The New York Times

"People are having fun.

The New York Times - Travel

"Guys are having fun.

The Guardian - Sport

We are having steak.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are having problems with the Taliban.

The New York Times

Independent voters are having second thoughts.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are having" to describe ongoing experiences, events, or states. For example, "They are having a party" or "We are having some difficulties."

Common error

Avoid using "are having" when the context requires a simple present tense. For example, instead of "They are having a car", use "They have a car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are having" functions as the present continuous tense of the verb "have". Ludwig AI shows it's used to describe actions or experiences that are happening at the present moment or around the present time. It's a dynamic verb construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are having" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe ongoing actions or states. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is particularly frequent in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Use it to emphasize that something is currently happening, but be mindful of tense consistency. Alternatives like "are experiencing" or "are undergoing" can offer subtle differences in meaning, but "are having" remains a versatile and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are experiencing

Focuses on the process of undergoing or feeling something, rather than simply possessing or partaking.

are undergoing

Emphasizes a process or change that is currently happening.

are partaking in

Implies active involvement or participation in an event or activity.

are taking part in

Similar to 'partaking in', but may suggest a more formal or organized participation.

are possessing

Highlights ownership or control, which may be relevant in specific contexts.

are enjoying

Highlights the positive aspect of experiencing something pleasurable.

are encountering

Indicates facing or dealing with specific situations or problems.

are conducting

Suggests performing or carrying out a specific task or activity.

are facing

Focuses on confronting or dealing with challenges or difficulties.

are holding

Refers to organizing or hosting an event or meeting.

FAQs

How do I use "are having" in a sentence?

"Are having" is used to describe an action happening now, or around now. For example, "We "are having" dinner at a new restaurant tonight".

What can I say instead of "are having"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are experiencing", "are undergoing", or "are possessing".

Which is correct, "are having" or "is having"?

"Are having" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "They are having"), while "is having" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "He is having").

What's the difference between "are having" and "have"?

"Are having" indicates an ongoing or temporary state or action, while "have" typically indicates possession or a general state. For example, "They are having a meeting" (ongoing action) vs. "They have a meeting room" (possession).