are setting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are setting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing an ongoing action or process that involves establishing or placing something in a particular state or condition. Example: "The team are setting the stage for the upcoming event, ensuring everything is in place for a successful evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The ratings are setting records.

The New York Times - Sports

They are setting up a new party.

The Economist

You are setting your scene.

The Guardian - Books

We are setting up more of them.

The New York Times

The Yankees are setting their playoff rotation.

The New Yorker

Baristas are setting up inside coffee shops.

The Economist

Ministry are setting up on stage one.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

> are set.

Harvard University

| are set.

Harvard University

are set.

Harvard University

> > are set.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are setting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being established or prepared. For instance, specify the goals, standards, or environment being created.

Common error

Avoid using "are setting" with singular subjects. Ensure the subject is plural or collective to maintain grammatical accuracy. For example, it should be 'They are setting the standard', not 'He are setting the standard'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are setting" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It describes an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig shows this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are setting" is a versatile verb phrase used in the present continuous tense to describe ongoing actions of establishing, preparing, or arranging. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it is very commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using "are setting", ensure that the subject is plural to maintain grammatical accuracy and that the context clearly indicates what is being established or prepared. Consider alternatives like "are establishing" or "are creating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. With its wide applicability and clear meaning, "are setting" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are establishing

Emphasizes the act of founding or creating something in a more permanent way.

are creating

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence.

are preparing

Highlights the process of making something ready for use or action.

are arranging

Implies organizing or putting things in a specific order.

are initiating

Focuses on the act of starting or beginning something.

are implementing

Emphasizes the act of putting a plan or system into effect.

are constructing

Implies the building or assembling of something.

are forming

Focuses on the creation of a group or structure.

are designating

Highlights the act of assigning a specific role or purpose.

are prescribing

Suggests establishing a rule or guideline to be followed.

FAQs

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

You can use "are setting" to describe an ongoing action of establishing or preparing something. For example, "The team "are setting" new standards for efficiency" or "They "are setting" up the equipment for the experiment".

What are some alternatives to "are setting"?

Alternatives include "are establishing", "are creating", or "are preparing", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

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

No, "is setting" is used with singular subjects, while "are setting" is used with plural subjects. For example, "He is setting the table" is correct, while "They are setting the table" is also correct.

What is the difference between "are setting" and "have set"?

"Are setting" describes an ongoing action, while "have set" describes a completed action. For example, "They "are setting" the rules now" implies the process is happening currently, whereas "They have set the rules" means the rules have already been established.