are promising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are promising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that shows potential for success or positive outcomes. Example: "The new technologies developed by the team are promising and could revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Early signs are promising.

The Economist

The results are promising.

The Economist

The credentials are promising.

Independent

Early indications are promising.

The Economist

The prospects are promising.

The New York Times

Early results are promising.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

— is promising.

The New York Times - Arts

This is promising.

The Economist

Appetizers, too, were promising.

The New York Times

The gimmick is promising.

The New York Times - Arts

The results were promising.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are promising" when you want to express that something has the potential to develop in a positive or successful way. Be specific about what aspect is promising and why. For instance, instead of saying "The results are promising", consider "The early clinical trial results are promising due to the significant reduction in side effects".

Common error

Avoid using "are promising" without providing context or evidence. Saying "The project is promising" without explaining why can sound vague and unconvincing. Always back up your statement with specific details or reasons that support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are promising" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous form of the verb 'to promise'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a current state where something shows potential for positive development or success. It often connects a subject with positive expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are promising" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating potential for positive development. Ludwig AI underscores its correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it expresses optimism and positive anticipation. When using this phrase, be specific about what aspects show promise and why, avoiding vague statements to strengthen your message. Alternatives like "show promise" and "look hopeful" offer similar meanings with subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show promise

Replaces the verb "are" with "show", maintaining the core meaning of potential.

look hopeful

Uses "look" instead of "are", shifting the focus to appearance or perception.

appear encouraging

Emphasizes the encouraging nature of the situation or results.

hold potential

Highlights the potential that something possesses.

inspire confidence

Focuses on the feeling of confidence that the situation creates.

bode well

A more concise and idiomatic expression indicating a positive future.

portend success

Suggests that future success is likely, with a more formal tone.

auger well

Similar to "bode well", but slightly less common.

give reason for optimism

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention optimism.

offer hope

Focuses on the aspect of hope that the situation provides.

FAQs

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

You can use "are promising" to indicate that initial results or indications suggest a positive future outcome. For example, "The initial sales figures "are promising", indicating a strong demand for the new product".

What can I say instead of "are promising"?

You can use alternatives like "show promise", "look hopeful", or "appear encouraging" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is promising" or "are promising"?

Use "is promising" for singular subjects and "are promising" for plural subjects. For example, "The study is promising" but "The results "are promising"".

What's the difference between "are promising" and "are expected to succeed"?

"Are promising" suggests potential, while "are expected to succeed" implies a higher degree of certainty based on current evidence. "Are promising" indicates hopefulness, while "are expected to succeed" suggests a strong likelihood of success.