are we missing

USAGE SUMMARY

"are we missing" is a perfectly acceptable and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it whenever you feel the need to question whether something is incomplete. For example: "Are we missing any pieces from the puzzle?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Who are we missing?

The New York Times

What are we missing?

Harvard University

What else are we missing?

The New Yorker

So whom are we missing?

The New York Times

So what are we missing?

Harvard University

What are we missing though?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Were we missing something?

The New York Times - Travel

What else were we missing?

HuffPost

"Were we missing something?" Jim McGarrah said.

Los Angeles Times

Or are we all missing the point?

The New Yorker

That's what we are missing now.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are we missing" to prompt critical thinking and ensure thoroughness in discussions or analyses.

Common error

Avoid using "are we missing" in vague scenarios where the potential omission isn't clear. Always provide context or follow up with specifics to clarify what might be lacking, or the question loses its impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are we missing" is to form an interrogative clause. It's used to ask a question about whether something is absent, omitted, or has been overlooked. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are we missing" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire about potential omissions or oversights. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. The phrase is versatile, fitting both formal and informal registers, and is frequently found in News & Media and Academia contexts. Common errors involve using the phrase without a clear context, which should be avoided. Consider alternative phrases such as "what are we overlooking" or "what have we forgotten" to refine your inquiry. This analysis should provide a thorough understanding of the phrase's effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we overlooking something crucial?

Adds emphasis on the importance of what might be missed.

what are we overlooking?

Focuses on the act of overlooking something rather than simply missing it.

what have we forgotten?

Highlights the aspect of forgetting, implying something was known but is now not remembered.

what are we failing to consider?

Emphasizes a failure in the thought process, suggesting a lack of proper evaluation.

is anything being left out?

Focuses on the action of leaving something out, implying a deliberate or accidental exclusion.

what's not being included?

Highlights the lack of inclusion, focusing on what has been excluded from a set or group.

what are we neglecting?

Implies a lack of care or attention, suggesting a disregard for something important.

what are we unaware of?

Stresses a lack of knowledge or consciousness about something.

what's escaping our attention?

Highlights that something is eluding notice, often due to its subtlety or complexity.

what isn't being addressed?

Focuses on a lack of attention or action towards a specific issue or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "are we missing" in a sentence?

You can use "are we missing" to inquire about potential omissions. For example, "Are we missing any key data in our analysis?" or "Are we missing a step in the process?"

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

You can use alternatives like "what are we overlooking", "what have we forgotten", or "what are we failing to consider" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are we missing" in formal writing?

Yes, "are we missing" is appropriate in formal writing when used to raise a valid question about potential oversights or omissions. However, maintain a professional tone and ensure the context is clear.

What's the difference between "are we missing" and "were we missing"?

"Are we missing" refers to the present, inquiring about something currently lacking. "Were we missing" refers to the past, asking if something was lacking at a previous time.