having a baby

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having a baby" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to describe the process of giving birth and becoming a parent. Example: "She is excited about having a baby next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're having a baby.

The New Yorker

"And having a baby".

The New Yorker

Beyoncé's having a baby!

The New York Times

I'm having a baby.

The Guardian

That she was having a baby.

The New Yorker

"We're having a baby," I said.

The New York Times

On Thursday, she was having a baby.

The New York Times

Nothing mattered compared to having a baby.

The New Yorker

Now She's Having a Baby.

The New York Times - Style

It is having a baby.

The New Yorker

Jodi was having a baby.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having a baby" in contexts where you want to express the state of being pregnant or the process of childbirth without being overly clinical or formal.

Common error

Be clear about who is "having a baby". Ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid confusion, especially in contexts with multiple people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having a baby" functions as a verb phrase describing the state of being pregnant or the action of giving birth. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "having a baby" is a common and straightforward way to express pregnancy or childbirth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to announce or describe a pregnancy, conveying information or excitement. While generally neutral in register, more formal contexts may necessitate precise terminology. Related phrases include "expecting a child" and "pregnant". When using "having a baby", ensure the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting a child

This alternative emphasizes the anticipation of the baby's arrival.

pregnant

This is a direct and concise way to indicate that someone is carrying a baby.

carrying a child

This phrase focuses on the physical aspect of pregnancy.

with child

This is a more formal or old-fashioned way of saying pregnant.

about to give birth

This emphasizes the nearing event of childbirth.

going to be a parent

This focuses on the transition to parenthood.

in gestation

This is a scientific or clinical term for pregnancy.

birthing a child

This alternative places more emphasis on the act of giving birth.

starting a family

This broadens the scope to include the overall process of creating a family unit.

welcoming a new addition

This phrase focuses on the arrival of the baby into the family.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "having a baby"?

Saying someone is "having a baby" means they are pregnant and will soon give birth to a child. It's a common and straightforward way to express the event of childbirth.

What are some less direct ways to say someone is "having a baby"?

You can use phrases like "expecting a child", "pregnant", or "about to give birth" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "having a baby" in formal writing?

While "having a baby" is widely understood, in formal or scientific writing, more precise terms like "gestation" or "childbirth" may be more appropriate.

Which is correct, "having a baby" or "having a child"?

Both "having a baby" and "having a child" are grammatically correct and can be used. "Having a baby" is generally used to refer to the immediate anticipation or event of childbirth, while "having a child" can refer to the broader experience of parenthood.