are inspecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are inspecting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an ongoing action of examining or checking something closely, typically in the present tense. Example: "The inspectors are inspecting the building for safety violations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The next inspection is at 4pm. 4.02pm The umpires are inspecting as we type.

The Guardian - Sport

With integration very much the buzzword in social care, it seems counter-intuitive for inspection agencies to be separate while the bodies they are inspecting become more joined-up.

The Guardian

And again, now, the umpires are inspecting the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

A team of Nepalese engineers are inspecting the infrastructure of all hospitals in Kathmandu.

The Guardian

New procedures require that inspectors be able to see what they are inspecting.

The New York Times

Now tax departments across the country are inspecting their own security systems.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Maps are inspected.

The New York Times

International travelers also are inspected.

The New York Times - Science

(New York City cabs are inspected three times annually).

The New York Times

Currently, only delivery vehicles are inspected.

The New York Times

Currently they are inspected every five years.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject performing the inspection is clearly identified to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The quality control team are inspecting the products".

Common error

Avoid using "are inspecting" in overly passive constructions that obscure who is performing the inspection. Instead of "The equipment is being are inspected", prefer "The technicians are inspecting the equipment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are inspecting" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of examining something carefully. Ludwig examples show it used to describe umpires inspecting a ball, engineers inspecting infrastructure, and authorities inspecting corporate practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are inspecting" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action of carefully examining something. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register and frequent use in News & Media sources. While alternatives like "are examining" or "are scrutinizing" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's important to use the phrase in active voice to clearly identify the subject performing the inspection. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is a correct and usable English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are examining

Focuses on a detailed investigation or observation.

are scrutinizing

Emphasizes a very careful and critical examination.

are checking

Implies a more routine or cursory examination.

are reviewing

Suggests a formal assessment or evaluation.

are assessing

Focuses on evaluating the quality or value of something.

are surveying

Implies a broad overview or general examination.

are auditing

Refers to a systematic and official examination of records.

are investigating

Suggests a formal inquiry into a situation or event.

are monitoring

Focuses on ongoing observation and tracking.

are observing

Implies a general act of watching and noting details.

FAQs

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

Use "are inspecting" to describe an ongoing action of examining something closely. For example, "The engineers "are inspecting" the bridge for structural weaknesses".

What phrases are similar to "are inspecting"?

Alternatives include "are examining", "are scrutinizing", or "are reviewing", each suggesting a slightly different nuance in the examination process.

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

No, "is inspecting" is used with singular subjects, while "are inspecting" is used with plural subjects. For example, "The inspector is inspecting the building" versus "The inspectors "are inspecting" the building".

What's the difference between "are inspecting" and "are investigating"?

"Are inspecting" implies a detailed examination to assess condition or quality, while "are investigating" suggests a formal inquiry into a problem or event. The police "are investigating" the crime scene, while the technicians "are inspecting" the equipment.