are working on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are working on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is currently engaged in a task or project. Example: "We are working on the final report and expect to complete it by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are working on it".

Independent

"We are working on this.

The New York Times

We are working on that".

The New York Times - Tech

Some are working on it.

The Economist

You are working on a documentary.

The New York Times

Robotics firms are working on friendly bots.

The Economist

Regulators are working on the problem.

The New York Times

Bomb squads are working on it.

Independent

Many groups are working on this idea.

The Economist

Its competitors are working on similar plans.

The Economist

They are working on an answer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are working on", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is actively engaged in. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are working on" without a clear object. For example, instead of saying "We are working on it", specify "We are working on the new design".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are working on" functions as a verb phrase indicating present continuous action. It describes an ongoing effort or activity that someone or something is currently engaged in. Ludwig provides many examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are working on" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating ongoing effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and functions to describe present continuous action. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to provide a clear object of the phrase to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "are developing" or "are addressing" can offer more specific nuances. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "are working on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are developing

Focuses more on the process of creating or improving something new.

are developing

Focuses more on the process of creating or improving something new.

are focused on

Highlights the area of concentration or attention.

are in progress

Emphasizes that something is underway but doesn't necessarily imply active effort.

are addressing

Suggests a focus on solving a problem or dealing with a specific issue.

are tackling

Implies a direct and energetic approach to dealing with a challenge.

are engaged in

Implies active participation or involvement in an activity.

are dealing with

Suggests managing or handling a particular situation or task.

are dedicated to

Suggests a strong commitment or devotion to a particular goal.

are occupied with

Implies being busy or engaged with something.

FAQs

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

Use "are working on" to indicate ongoing effort towards a specific task or project. For example, "The engineers are working on the software update."

What are some alternatives to "are working on"?

You can use alternatives like "are developing", "are addressing", or "are focused on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are working on it"?

Yes, "are working on it" is grammatically correct, but it can be vague. Ensure the context makes it clear what "it" refers to. If not, specify the object of the work.

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

"Are working on" indicates an ongoing activity, while "are completed" suggests the task is finished. For example, "They are working on the presentation" versus "The presentation is completed".