are surviving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are surviving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ongoing state of existence or endurance of a subject, often in the context of challenges or difficulties. Example: "Despite the harsh conditions, many species are surviving in the wild."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are surviving," he wrote.

The New York Times

"They are surviving very well".

The New York Times

We know precisely why children are surviving.

The Economist

"They're hardy trees that are surviving".

The New York Times

"We are surviving, but we are not living".

The New York Times

That is why tigers are surviving in Sundarbans," Kushal said.

The New Yorker

However, while more businesses start, fewer are surviving and growing.

The Guardian

All, however, are surviving, and all met President Bush's criteria.

The New York Times

And, with medical advances, more patients are surviving.

The New York Times - Health

They too are surviving on takeaways – junk food and sandwiches.

The Guardian

And his mother and brother are surviving too.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the ability of a species or ecosystem to adapt to environmental changes, use "are surviving" to emphasize ongoing adaptation and resilience.

Common error

Avoid using "are surviving" when referring to inanimate objects that are merely being maintained or preserved. Instead, use verbs like "are maintained" or "are preserved" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are surviving" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or state. Ludwig shows that it describes the current state of enduring or continuing to live, exist, or function, often in challenging circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are surviving" is a versatile verb phrase indicating an ongoing state of existence, often in challenging circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. When writing, it's useful to remember that the phrase is not limited to living beings and can be applied to other entities like businesses, ecosystems or projects. The most semantically similar alternatives include "are enduring", "are persisting", and "are withstanding". This guide provides a comprehensive overview of "are surviving", highlighting its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and common usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are enduring

Focuses on the capacity to withstand hardship or difficulty.

are persisting

Highlights the act of continuing despite obstacles or resistance.

are withstanding

Emphasizes resistance against a specific force or pressure.

are remaining

Implies a continuation of existence in a specific state or place.

are coping

Suggests managing or dealing with difficult situations.

are managing to live

Highlights the ability to sustain life, especially in challenging conditions.

are getting by

Indicates a minimal level of success in meeting basic needs.

are eking out a living

Focuses on the effort required to obtain the necessities for survival.

are scraping by

Implies a struggle to survive with very limited resources.

are making it

Offers a more colloquial and general way to express the act of surviving.

FAQs

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

Use "are surviving" to describe individuals, groups, or species that continue to live or exist, especially under difficult conditions. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, many small businesses "are surviving"."

What are some alternatives to using "are surviving"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are enduring", "are persisting", or "are managing to live".

Is it correct to use "are surviving" in a formal setting?

Yes, "are surviving" is appropriate for formal contexts, especially when discussing resilience, persistence, or the ability to overcome challenges. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more precise alternative might be suitable.

What is the difference between "are surviving" and "are thriving"?

"Are surviving" implies simply continuing to exist, often in a difficult or challenging situation. "Are thriving", on the other hand, suggests flourishing and experiencing growth or success. The former focuses on endurance, while the latter focuses on prosperity.