are toiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are toiling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups who are working hard or laboring, often in a continuous or strenuous manner. Example: "The workers are toiling in the fields from dawn until dusk, ensuring a bountiful harvest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mostly they are toiling at their desks, or in meetings.

The Guardian

The rest of the people are toiling in the rice fields.

Columbia University

Overmatched workers for United Nations agencies and nongovernmental organizations are toiling away, many of them heroically.

The New York Times

How many are toiling away in the informal sector, or underemployed?

The Guardian

"I think kids love to be around adults who are toiling happily.

The Guardian - Film

Assorted inquiries are toiling after conclusions: but ponder two interim thoughts.

The Guardian - Opinion

While they are toiling in Turkey, the World No 1 is chilling in Dubai and awaiting their arrival.

Independent

With their options limited, thousands of children are toiling on this city's streets instead of going to school.

The New York Times

In many countries, the money received from workers who are toiling abroad represents a significant source of income.

The Economist

Which is why so many low-wage workers are toiling away at two jobs, or three, or even more.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, LA are toiling at the moment, whether that is a result of their lengthy injury list or not.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are toiling" when you want to emphasize the arduous or continuous nature of work. It adds a sense of struggle and perseverance to the description.

Common error

Avoid using "are toiling" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or archaic. Simpler terms like "are working hard" or "are busy" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are toiling" functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action of working laboriously. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes ongoing, often difficult, work. The phrase appears in numerous examples to depict people actively engaged in demanding tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are toiling" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe ongoing and often arduous work. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's particularly common in news and media, where it adds a sense of seriousness and emphasizes the effort involved. While suitable for formal writing, it should be used sparingly in casual contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives like "are working hard" or "are laboring" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember, while the phrase is correct, it's best used to highlight the difficulty and persistence of the work being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are laboring

Similar to toiling, but can sometimes emphasize physical effort more directly.

are persevering

Highlights persistence in the face of difficulties or obstacles.

are working diligently

Indicates consistent and careful effort, emphasizing dedication.

are dedicating themselves

Focuses on the commitment and devotion to a particular task or cause.

are working assiduously

Emphasizes persistent and attentive effort.

are striving

Focuses on the effort towards achieving a goal, often against challenges.

are grinding

Implies a repetitive and often unpleasant working process.

are putting in effort

A more general term for exerting energy towards a task.

are exerting themselves

Highlights the physical or mental effort being expended.

are sweating

Informal and emphasizes the difficulty and intensity of the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "are toiling" to describe people working hard, often with difficulty, such as "The farmers "are toiling" in the fields" or "Researchers "are toiling" to find a cure".

What are some alternatives to "are toiling"?

Alternatives include "are working hard", "are laboring", or "are striving", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are toiling" in formal writing?

Yes, "are toiling" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize the difficulty and sustained effort involved in a particular activity. Its usage appears in reputable publications.

What's the difference between "are toiling" and "are working"?

"Are working" is a general term for being engaged in a task. "Are toiling" implies a more strenuous and prolonged effort, often against difficult conditions, conveying a sense of hardship and perseverance.