are we winning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are we winning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is inquiring about the success or progress of a situation, often in a competitive or game-like scenario. Example: "During the game, I turned to my friend and asked, 'Are we winning?' as I wanted to know the current score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

How are we winning?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's so convoluted — are we winning?

The New York Times

"Like, in your view, are we winning?

The New Yorker

But are we winning this fight?

The New York Times - Sports

If it's the latter, are we winning that fight?

The New York Times

All these changes in the time-bound act of reading: are we winning or losing here?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

All I was hoping was we won.

The New York Times - Sports

But the bottom line is, we won.

The New York Times - Sports

The big thing is, we won today".

The New York Times - Sports

It's we win, and then we sweat it out".

The New York Times - Sports

"All I know is we won.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are we winning" when you want to know if you or a group is currently outperforming competitors or achieving a desired outcome in a specific context. It is suitable for games, sports, business, or even metaphorical 'wars' such as the 'war on cancer'.

Common error

Avoid using "are we winning" in situations where success isn't about outperforming someone or something else. For example, asking "are we winning" when discussing personal growth or emotional well-being might sound odd. Instead, opt for phrases like "are we improving" or "are we making progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we winning" functions primarily as an interrogative clause. It is used to solicit information about the current state of progress or success, often in a competitive setting. Ludwig provides various examples, such as asking about winning a game, a fight, or even the "war on cancer".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

30%

General Discussion

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are we winning" is a frequently used and grammatically sound question phrase used to check progress, most often in contexts that involve competition or clear goals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting examples across News & Media, Sports, and general discussions. While versatile, it's important to use this phrase in contexts where outperformance or achieving a desired outcome is a factor. Alternatives like "are we succeeding" or "are we making progress" may be more appropriate in non-competitive settings. Recognizing the specific nuance of "are we winning" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are we succeeding

Focuses more broadly on overall success rather than a specific contest or competition.

are we making progress

Emphasizes the advancement being made, irrespective of a win-loss outcome.

are we ahead

Highlights a lead or advantage in a quantifiable way.

are we on track

Indicates alignment with a predetermined plan or goal.

is our strategy working

Queries the effectiveness of a specific plan or method.

are we achieving our goals

Focuses on the attainment of specific, defined objectives.

is our approach effective

Questions the efficiency and impact of a chosen method.

are we gaining ground

Highlights the act of closing a gap or overcoming a disadvantage.

are we being successful

A more formal way of asking about overall success.

are we on the right path

Suggests a more philosophical assessment of direction and purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "are we winning" to inquire about the current status of a competition or ongoing effort. For example, "The coach asked, 'Are we winning?' during halftime" or "As the project neared completion, she wondered, 'Are we winning the race against the deadline?'"

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

You can use alternatives like "are we succeeding", "are we making progress", or "are we ahead" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "are we winning" when you want to know if you are currently outperforming competitors or achieving a desired outcome, especially in a specific contest or endeavor. It fits well in contexts like games, sports, business competitions, or metaphorical battles such as the "war on cancer".

How does "are we winning" differ from "are we doing well"?

"Are we winning" implies a direct comparison or competition, whereas "are we doing well" is a broader question about overall performance or success, without necessarily implying a competitive scenario. "Are we doing well" is suitable for situations where there are no explicit competitors, like personal development or artistic creation.