are we beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the start of an event, process, or activity. Example: "After waiting for everyone to arrive, I finally asked, 'Are we beginning the meeting now?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

And are we beginning to see talent wars between competing companies?

The Guardian

Only now are we beginning to emerge from a period in which New York's architecture became the most inbred, the least cosmopolitan of all world-class cities.

The New York Times - Arts

Given the political "earthquake" results from the New Hampshire Democratic primary on Tuesday, are we beginning to see the future Democratic ticket?

The New York Times

Only now are we beginning to see how Jones has reaped the benefits of Mad Men – not least with her casting in X-Men: First Class.

Independent

We have lived in the Age of Chemistry from the start; only now are we beginning to see it and to grasp its fundamental lesson, that we are all made of the same gorgeous stuff.

The New Yorker

"Most countries have some water sources with dangerous levels of arsenic, but only now are we beginning to recognize the magnitude of the problem," Allan Smith, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, and an adviser to the World Health Organization on arsenic, said in a statement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The problem is we begin to treat everything exactly the same.

Forbes

We said we were doing it and this is what we're beginning to show.

The Guardian - Sport

The wild places are where we began.

Forbes

"What we're doing is beginning part of that experiment".

BBC

That's how we began".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality required. It's suitable for both casual and professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "are we begin" as it omits the progressive tense, making the question grammatically incorrect. The correct form includes the '-ing' ending: "are we beginning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we beginning" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically used to ask whether an activity, process, or event is starting or about to start. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are we beginning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative, primarily employed to inquire about the start of an activity or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable for use in written English. Its versatility allows it to fit into various contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media and Science. While alternatives exist, such as "are we starting", understanding the subtle nuances of tense and formality ensures its effective use. The phrase encourages clarity and collaboration, making it a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we starting

Focuses on the initiation of an activity or process, similar to beginning.

are we about to begin

Indicates an imminent start.

is it beginning

Focuses on whether something is in the process of starting.

shall we commence

A more formal way of asking if something should start.

do we start now

Directly asks about the immediate start of something.

will we start soon

Asks about the timing of the start.

is it time to begin

Inquires whether the appropriate time to start has arrived.

are we going to start

Inquires about plans to begin something.

are we ready to start

Checks readiness before starting something.

should we get underway

Suggests starting a journey or project.

FAQs

How to use "are we beginning" in a sentence?

The phrase "are we beginning" is typically used to inquire whether a particular activity or event is about to start. For example, "Are we beginning the meeting now?" or "Are we beginning the project today?".

What can I say instead of "are we beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "are we starting", "shall we commence", or "is it time to begin" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are we beginning" or "are we begin"?

"Are we beginning" is the correct form. "Are we begin" is grammatically incorrect because it lacks the present progressive tense.

What's the difference between "are we beginning" and "are we going to begin"?

"Are we beginning" implies a more immediate start, while "are we going to begin" suggests a future or planned start. The former is more direct and immediate, while the latter implies a plan or intention.