are working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are working" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or state of being, typically in the present tense. Example: "The engineers are working on the new software update to improve performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The changes are working.

The New York Times - Tech

"The institutions are working".

The Economist

"We are working".

The New York Times

"Parents are working.

The New York Times

Teenagers are working less.

The Economist

"We are working away.

The New York Times

But censors are working overtime.

The Economist

They are working together nicely.

The Guardian - Sport

They are working for you.

The New York Times

They are working on it".

Independent

We are working towards that".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are working", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being worked on. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are working" in overly passive constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead, specify who or what is performing the action for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are working" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an action that is in progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately depicts an ongoing activity. This is evident in examples like "The engineers are working on the new software update".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are working" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe ongoing actions or states of functionality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business, maintaining a neutral register. While versatile, ensure specificity in your writing to avoid ambiguity, and prevent overuse in overly passive constructions. Consider related phrases like "are functioning" or "are progressing" to add nuance to your expression. Ultimately, "are working" is a reliable and effective way to convey current activity or operational status.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are functioning

Focuses more on the operational aspect, implying proper function rather than effort.

are in operation

Similar to "are functioning", emphasizing the state of being active and running.

are toiling

Emphasizes hard work and effort, often in a laborious context.

are striving

Highlights the effort put towards achieving a goal.

are laboring

Similar to "are toiling", implying strenuous or difficult work.

are progressing

Focuses on the advancement and development of a task or project.

are under construction

Implies a state of being actively built or developed.

are being developed

Similar to "are under construction", but with a broader scope, not limited to physical structures.

are being utilized

Focuses on the act of using something, emphasizing its current use.

are being implemented

Implies a formal process of putting a plan or system into action.

FAQs

How can I use "are working" in a sentence?

Use "are working" to describe an ongoing activity or state of functionality. For example, "The developers are working on a new feature" or "The security systems are working as intended".

What are some alternatives to "are working"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "are functioning", "are progressing", or "are being implemented".

Is it correct to say "is working" instead of "are working"?

No, "is working" is singular, while "are working" is plural. Use "is working" when referring to a single subject and "are working" when referring to multiple subjects.

What is the difference between "are working on" and "are working in"?

"Are working on" implies actively developing or addressing something, while "are working in" refers to the place or field in which someone is employed. For example, "They are working on a solution" versus "They are working in the IT department".