is absorbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is absorbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is captivating or engaging, often in the context of a book, movie, or experience that holds one's attention. Example: "The novel is absorbing, making it difficult to put down until the last page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So the boundary x = 0 only absorbs flux from its next, the boundary is absorbing.

BMC Systems Biology

There is absorbing information.

The New York Times

The agency is absorbing the costs.

The New York Times

But of course it is absorbing.

The New York Times

The pilot episode is absorbing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The child is absorbing all this.

The Guardian

The end result is absorbing and surprising.

The Guardian

But that impairment is absorbing, even attractive.

The New York Times - Arts

It is absorbing yet also disconcerting.

The Guardian - Film

Short is absorbing the body blow.

The Guardian - Sport

It is absorbing, meditative and mournful.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is absorbing" when you want to convey that something is actively taking in or incorporating something else, whether it's information, energy, or costs. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being absorbed.

Common error

Avoid using "is absorbing" when a more direct verb would be clearer. For example, instead of "The company is absorbing the losses", consider "The company is covering the losses" if the intention is simply to state they are paying for them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is absorbing" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It typically describes the act of taking something in, whether literally (like a sponge absorbing water) or figuratively (like a person absorbing information).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is absorbing" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of taking something in, whether physically, intellectually, or financially. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains, suggesting a neutral register. While it is considered grammatically correct, writers should be mindful of selecting the most precise verb to avoid passive or unclear constructions. For example, in a financial context, there might be more clear verbs than "absorbing", such as "is covering". To maximize clarity, it's crucial to maintain an awareness of alternative phrases like "is captivating" or "is engrossing" to choose the term that best captures the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is engrossing

Emphasizes the depth of engagement and the complete holding of attention.

is captivating

Focuses on the quality of being able to capture and hold interest, rather than the act of taking something in.

is assimilating

Highlights the process of integrating or incorporating something into a larger whole.

is incorporating

Stresses the act of including something as part of a whole.

is taking in

A more general phrase for receiving or understanding something.

is integrating

Focuses on combining elements into a functional whole.

is soaking up

Suggests absorbing something like a liquid or information readily.

is monopolizing

Indicates taking over entirely, often in the context of attention or resources.

is assuming

Implies taking on responsibility or a role.

is bearing

Suggests carrying or enduring something, often a cost or burden.

FAQs

How can I use "is absorbing" in a sentence?

"Is absorbing" can be used to describe something that is captivating or engaging, as in "The movie "is absorbing" and keeps you on the edge of your seat", or to describe the act of taking something in, like "The sponge "is absorbing" the water."

What are some alternatives to "is absorbing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is captivating", "is engrossing", or "is assimilating".

Is it correct to say "the company is absorbing the costs"?

Yes, "the company "is absorbing the costs"" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that the company is covering or paying for those costs.

What is the difference between "is absorbing" and "is adsorbing"?

"Is absorbing" implies that something is being taken in and incorporated throughout a substance. "Is adsorbing", on the other hand, means that something is adhering to the surface of a substance.