are practicing

USAGE SUMMARY

"are practicing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is the present progressive verb tense used to indicate that something is happening now or is ongoing. Example: My sisters and I are practicing for our recital next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are practicing presentation skills.

The Washington Post

The peasants are practicing subsistence agriculture".

The New York Times

The teams are practicing in Florida.

The New York Times - Sports

"In our home we are practicing Christians".

The New York Times

They are practicing ministry for a meltdown.

The New York Times

Tugboat crews are practicing for any future cargo arrivals.

The New York Times

At most, half of those are practicing vegans.

The New York Times

Increasingly, women in the Valley are practicing what Facebook C.O.O.

The New Yorker

"We feel good about the way they are practicing".

The New York Times - Sports

In the meantime, more managers are practicing selective tweaking.

The New York Times

The participants are practicing a type of arm lock.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure subject-verb agreement when using "are practicing". If the subject is singular, use "is practicing" instead. For example, "She is practicing her presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "are practicing" with a singular subject. The correct form for a singular subject is "is practicing". For example, instead of "He are practicing", use "He is practicing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are practicing" functions as a present progressive verb phrase. It indicates an action that is currently in progress or is habitual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard grammatical construction. The examples Ludwig provides show its usage across different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are practicing" is a grammatically sound and very common present progressive verb phrase used to describe actions currently in progress, often involving skill development or routine performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications and general knowledge resources. When using "are practicing", ensure subject-verb agreement and consider alternative phrasing like "are rehearsing" or "are training" to fine-tune the nuance. While versatile, avoiding misuse with singular subjects is essential for maintaining grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are currently performing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action and introduces a sense of formal execution.

are actively engaged in

Highlights participation and involvement in a certain activity.

are in the process of practicing

Adds a layer of procedural emphasis to the act of practicing.

are training

Specifically refers to preparing for something using practice.

are rehearsing

Specifically used when the practice relates to an artistic performance or planned event.

are exercising

Broader meaning, implying physical or mental exertion for improvement.

are implementing

Focuses on putting a plan or method into action, suggesting a deliberate approach.

are carrying out

Implies executing a task or duty, highlighting the action-oriented aspect.

are working on

Suggests effort and progress toward a goal.

are developing

Focuses on the act of improvement or advancement in a skill or project.

FAQs

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

Use "are practicing" to indicate an ongoing action, usually related to skill development or habitual performance. For example, "The students are practicing their speeches for the debate."

What's the difference between "are practicing" and "are practicing for"?

"Are practicing" describes the activity itself, while "are practicing for" indicates preparation for a specific event. For instance, "They are practicing the song" versus "They are practicing for the concert".

What can I say instead of "are practicing"?

You can use alternatives like "are rehearsing", "are training", or "are working on depending on the context".

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

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "are practicing" with plural subjects (e.g., "They are practicing"). Use "is practicing" with singular subjects (e.g., "He is practicing").