are shrinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are shrinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of reduction in size, quantity, or extent, typically in the present continuous tense. Example: "The glaciers in the Arctic are shrinking at an alarming rate due to climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some industries are shrinking.

The New York Times

Coastlines are shrinking.

The New Yorker

Elsewhere, forests are shrinking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Economies are shrinking.

The New York Times

… Our girls are shrinking.

Princeton University

And they are shrinking anyway.

The Economist

Economic imbalances are shrinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they are shrinking.

The New York Times

The productions are shrinking.

The New Yorker

Even the landscapes are shrinking.

The New York Times - Arts

Once-stark inequalities are shrinking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends or changes over time, use "are shrinking" to clearly convey a reduction in size, quantity, or extent. For example, "Glaciers are shrinking due to global warming."

Common error

Avoid using "are shrinking" to describe something that is permanently altered or destroyed. Instead, use past tense verbs like "disappeared" or "were destroyed". For example, don't say "The rainforest is shrinking into ashes"—say "The rainforest was destroyed by fire."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are shrinking" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing process of reduction. Ludwig provides numerous examples across diverse contexts where this phrase accurately conveys a decrease in size, quantity, or extent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are shrinking" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of reduction. As verified by Ludwig AI, its frequent appearance across diverse contexts—particularly in news, academic, and scientific sources—underscores its reliability and broad applicability. When writing, use "are shrinking" to describe ongoing reductions, but avoid it in contexts where the action is completed or irreversible. Common alternatives include "are diminishing" and "are decreasing". This makes "are shrinking" a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit for accurately portraying trends of decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are diminishing

Emphasizes a gradual decrease or lessening.

are decreasing

Focuses on a numerical or measurable reduction.

are lessening

Suggests a reduction in intensity or degree.

are contracting

Implies a reduction in size or scope, often in a business context.

are dwindling

Indicates a gradual and concerning decline.

are receding

Suggests a movement backward or away, often used for physical entities like shorelines.

are waning

Implies a decrease in power, influence, or popularity.

are compressing

Suggests something is being compacted.

are tapering off

Indicates a gradual reduction, often in a smooth or controlled manner.

are getting smaller

A more literal and straightforward way to express a reduction in size.

FAQs

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

Use "are shrinking" to describe a present, ongoing process of reduction. For example, "The company's profits are shrinking due to increased competition."

What can I say instead of "are shrinking"?

You can use alternatives like "are diminishing", "are decreasing", or "are lessening" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are shrinking" or "have shrunk"?

"Are shrinking" describes an ongoing process, while "have shrunk" describes a completed action. For example, "Glaciers are shrinking" indicates a continuous process, while "Glaciers have shrunk" suggests the change is complete.

What's the difference between "are shrinking" and "are being shrunk"?

"Are shrinking" implies something is reducing in size on its own, while "are being shrunk" indicates an external force is causing the reduction. For example, "The company's profits are shrinking" versus "The company's expenses are being shrunk by budget cuts."