are under siege

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are under siege" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is being attacked, threatened, or surrounded, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The city's infrastructure is under siege due to the ongoing protests and unrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are under siege.

The New York Times

Elephants are under siege.

The Guardian

Values are under siege.

The New York Times

Quarterbacks are under siege.

The New York Times - Sports

Pharmacists are under siege.

The New York Times

Muslims are under siege.

The Guardian

Elephants are under siege throughout Africa.

The New Yorker

"Famous politicians are under siege," Khatami said.

The New Yorker

And democratic values are under siege.

The New York Times

Malawi's hospitals are under siege.

The Guardian

But they are under siege.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "are under attack" or "are embattled" to add variety and nuance to your writing, depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "are under siege" too frequently, especially when literal terms can better describe the situation. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are under siege" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject (plural) as being in a situation of attack or intense pressure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and expresses that something is surrounded and threatened.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are under siege" is a versatile expression used to describe situations of intense pressure or attack. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, especially in news and media. While effective, remember to use it judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact, as Ludwig AI reminds. Consider the nuances offered by related phrases like "are under attack" or "are embattled" to add precision to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the sense of crisis or vulnerability that "are under siege" conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are besieged

Synonymous, simply removing the "under" for a slightly more formal tone.

are under attack

Focuses on the active aggression being faced, rather than the state of being surrounded.

are embattled

Describes a state of being involved in conflict or struggle.

are facing an onslaught

Emphasizes the intensity and force of the attack or pressure.

are in the crosshairs

Emphasizes being the target of intense scrutiny or attack.

are being pressured

Highlights the experience of being subjected to intense demands or influence.

are fighting for survival

Highlights the existential threat being faced.

are in a crisis

Shifts the focus to the resulting state of emergency or difficulty.

are grappling with

Emphasizes the active struggle to overcome challenges or difficulties.

are in dire straits

Focuses on the severity and difficulty of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "are under siege" in a sentence?

You can use "are under siege" to describe a situation where something is being heavily attacked or pressured, either literally or metaphorically. For instance, "The city's hospitals are under siege due to the pandemic", or "The company's values "are under siege" due to recent scandals".

What can I say instead of "are under siege"?

You can use alternatives like "are under attack", "are embattled", or "are facing an onslaught" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is under siege" instead of "are under siege"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is under siege" for singular subjects (e.g., "The building is under siege"), and "are under siege" for plural subjects (e.g., "The cities are under siege").

What's the difference between "are under siege" and "are being attacked"?

"Are under siege" implies a prolonged period of attack or pressure and a sense of being surrounded or trapped. "Are being attacked" simply indicates that an attack is occurring, without necessarily implying the same degree of prolonged pressure or encirclement.