are testing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are testing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of examining or evaluating something to determine its presence, quality, or characteristics. Example: "The researchers are testing for the presence of specific antibodies in the blood samples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Federal investigators have also found dangerous levels of lead and are testing for other contaminants.

The New York Times

"So the N.F.L. starts out with a plus because not many sports are testing for it.

The New York Times - Sports

More people are testing for HIV, and those who have the virus are able to access suitable drugs.

The Guardian

"Unless you know the history of the sample, you don't know what you are testing for," said Eluned Jones, associate professor of agriculture and agribusiness at Virginia Tech.

The New York Times

Witchcraft Blamed, Too Villagers fear sleeping sickness so much that some laboratory workers say they are testing for malaria, which is known to be treatable.

The New York Times

He subsequently received a departmental email from a senior BBC executive saying: "These are our colleagues, not a third party we are testing for credibility.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

(Black babies are tested for a fourth, sickle-cell anemia).

The New York Times - Health

The daily returns are tested for stationarity.

Financial Innovation

Eight values are tested for the adder:.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Two methods are tested for scheduling connections.

Journal of Cloud Computing

"And almost none are tested for toxicity".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are testing for", ensure the object of the test is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Scientists are testing for the presence of specific antibodies."

Common error

Avoid using "are testing for" without specifying what is being tested. Vague statements like "They are testing for issues" lack clarity. Be specific about the target of the test.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are testing for" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing action of examining something to identify or detect a specific substance, condition, or characteristic. Ludwig confirms its usability, showcasing various contexts where this phrase is applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are testing for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes an ongoing investigative process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the object of the test. Consider alternatives like "are examining for" or "are checking for" to fine-tune the meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately communicate the process of testing and evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are examining for

Focuses on a detailed inspection or investigation rather than a general test.

are checking for

Implies a quick verification or confirmation of presence.

are screening for

Suggests a preliminary test to identify potential issues or candidates.

are investigating for

Indicates a more in-depth inquiry to uncover causes or details.

are analyzing for

Emphasizes a detailed evaluation of data to draw conclusions.

are assessing for

Highlights the evaluation of something's quality or value.

are evaluating for

Implies a judgment or appraisal based on specific criteria.

are trialing for

Highlights testing a new product or medicine on humans.

are probing for

Suggests a thorough and careful search to uncover hidden information.

are assaying for

Refers to a quantitative or qualitative analysis, often in a scientific context.

FAQs

How can I use "are testing for" in a sentence?

You can use "are testing for" to indicate that a process is underway to determine the presence or quality of something. For example, "The doctors "are testing for" the virus".

What's a formal alternative to "are testing for"?

In a more formal context, you might use "are analyzing for" or "are investigating for" depending on the specific nature of the testing.

Is it correct to say "are tested for" instead of "are testing for"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "are tested for" implies a completed or routine process, whereas ""are testing for"" suggests an ongoing or current activity.

What's the difference between "are checking for" and "are testing for"?

"Are checking for" typically implies a simple verification, while ""are testing for"" suggests a more comprehensive analysis or evaluation.