are we being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when questioning whether a certain action or state is currently happening or being experienced by the speaker and others. Example: "Are we being too harsh in our criticism of the new policy?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Are we being told the truth, or are we being played, seduced, nudged, hypnotized?

Huffington Post

"Why are we being conscripted?

The Guardian - Opinion

Why are we being taught shame?

The Guardian

"So what are we being accused of?

The Guardian - Tech

Why are we being told all this?

The New York Times

So why are we being played?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Americans are — we are — a tolerant nation".

The New Yorker

Were we being hijacked?

Los Angeles Times

Were we being watched?

Vice

The decision we made was, we are".

The New York Times - Sports

As we were, we were OK".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are we being", ensure the context clearly indicates who "we" refers to, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are we being" when the situation only applies to a specific individual or a small subset of people. Ensure the context is broad enough to warrant the use of the collective "we".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we being" serves as an interrogative structure, prompting an inquiry about an ongoing state or action affecting a group. As shown by Ludwig, it sets up a question, inviting consideration of the current situation and its implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are we being" is a grammatically sound and frequently used interrogative phrase that serves to question whether a specific action or state is currently affecting a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, most notably in news and media, reflecting its versatility in prompting inquiry and discussion. Though generally neutral in tone, the phrase's intent can range from concerned to accusatory, depending on the specific scenario. When writing, ensure the scope of "we" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "are we subjected to" for a more formal tone or "what's happening to us" to focus on the present. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "are we being" to engage their audience and foster clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we experiencing

This phrase emphasizes the feeling or sensation of something happening.

are we subjected to

This alternative emphasizes the experience of undergoing something, often undesirable.

what's happening to us

This option focuses on the present moment and the ongoing situation.

are we undergoing

Focuses on the process of experiencing something, usually a change or a trial.

are we facing

Highlights the confrontation with a challenge or difficulty.

is this happening to us

Shifts the perspective to highlight the event occurring to the group.

are we victims of

Highlights a state of being harmed or negatively affected.

are we targets of

Suggests a deliberate action aimed at the group.

are we the recipients of

Focuses on receiving something, which could be positive or negative.

what is being done to us

A more direct and potentially accusatory way of phrasing the question.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are we being" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "are we subjected to" or "are we experiencing" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

What does "are we being" imply in a question?

The phrase "are we being" typically implies a question about whether a particular action, state, or treatment is currently happening or being imposed upon the speaker and their group. It often suggests a sense of uncertainty, concern, or suspicion.

When is it appropriate to use "are we being"?

It's appropriate when you want to inquire whether you and others are currently experiencing a specific condition, action, or treatment. For example, "Are we being too harsh in our criticism?" or "Are we being followed?"

Is "are we being" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are we being" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure for forming a present continuous passive question. It's used to ask if a certain action is currently being done to "we".