is active

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is active" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an ongoing situation, such as "The club is active throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His mind is active.

The New Yorker

China is active there.

The Economist

Anh is active.

The Economist

The market is active.

The New York Times - Travel

This is active listening.

The Guardian - Music

Your whole body is active.

The New York Times

Now, he is active again.

The New York Times

It is active on Twitter.

The Economist

Taking accountability is active.

Harvard University

"His modus operandi is active.

The Guardian - Business

Creation is active, not passive.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a state of activity, ensure the subject is clearly defined. For example, instead of just stating "the process is active", specify what process you are referring to.

Common error

Ensure that when you state something "is active", you clarify what exactly possesses this active state. A vague subject can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is active" functions as a copular verb phrase, linking a subject to a predicate adjective. This indicates a state of being or condition. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is active" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the state of something being in operation, engaged, or functioning. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general web content. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "is active", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. While many alternatives exist, such as "is functioning" or "is engaged", the best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is functioning

Emphasizes the operational state of something, focusing on whether it is working correctly.

is operational

Highlights the readiness and availability for use, often in technical or formal contexts.

is in operation

Similar to "is operational", but with a slightly more dynamic sense of ongoing activity.

is engaged

Focuses on involvement or participation in a specific activity or task.

is participating

Similar to "is engaged", highlighting active involvement in a broader context or group.

is performing

Stresses the execution or carrying out of a function or role.

is working

A general term indicating that something is in a state of performing its intended function.

is underway

Implies that a process or activity has started and is currently in progress.

is live

Often used in broadcasting or software contexts to indicate that something is currently being broadcast or is accessible.

is running

Similar to "is working", often used in the context of software, machinery, or processes.

FAQs

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

You can use "is active" to describe something that is currently functioning or engaged in an activity. For example, "The volcano "is active"" or "She "is active" in the community."

What are some alternatives to saying "is active"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is functioning", "is operational", or "is engaged" to replace "is active".

How does the meaning of "is active" change in different contexts?

The meaning of "is active" can vary depending on the context. In a scientific context, it might refer to a chemical reaction, while in a social context, it might describe someone's involvement in community events.

When is it more appropriate to use "is engaged" instead of "is active"?

Use "is engaged" when you want to emphasize someone's involvement or participation in a specific task or activity, rather than simply stating that something "is active" in a general sense.