is belonging

USAGE SUMMARY

No, the phrase "is belonging" is not correct in written English.
However, the phrase "belongs" is correct and is used to indicate ownership or belonging. For example, "This shirt belongs to me."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With you my body is pleasure is safe is belonging.

The New Yorker

The opposite of Othering is not "saming", it is belonging.

The Guardian

It is not what is belonging, but belonging to what?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Numerous studies show one solution is belonging to a group.

The New York Times

They were applied to our Basic Sciences School where chemical engineering is belonging.

Education for Chemical Engineers

Observations like that are the spur to Macdonald's film, the real theme of which, I think, is belonging and exile.

The New Yorker

The price for breaching their codes, they warn us, is banishment; the prize for conforming to them is belonging.

The Guardian - Opinion

The digesting kinetics of glass phase in mixed acid solution is belonging to diffusion-controlled reaction model.

Journal of Cleaner Production

"The expat mentality is belonging to the old country," Scruton told me, "and the inability to accept that it is changed beyond repair".

The Guardian

Airbnb has done this spectacularly well, its brand has never been about finding accommodation; what their customers are actually buying into is belonging and finding community".

The Guardian

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he denied claims that the "This is belonging 2018" campaign showed the army had "gone soft".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating that something is a part of a group or owned by someone, use the correct verb form "belongs" or rephrase to use alternatives such as "is part of" or "is a member of".

Common error

Avoid using the continuous form "is belonging" when a simple present tense is required. "Belongs" is generally the correct form to indicate ownership or membership. For example, say "This book belongs to her" instead of "This book is belonging to her".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is belonging" functions as an incorrect verb phrase. It attempts to express a state of being or association but fails grammatically. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is typically "belongs". The examples found by Ludwig demonstrate the various contexts where this error occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is belonging" is frequently used, as shown by Ludwig's examples, but it is grammatically incorrect. According to Ludwig AI, the correct form is typically "belongs". This phrase attempts to convey concepts of membership, ownership, or association. However, its incorrect usage undermines clarity. While it appears across various sources, including science, news, and academia, it's best to avoid "is belonging" in formal writing. Instead, opt for "belongs" or rephrase using alternatives like "is part of", "is associated with", or "is a member of" for correct and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belongs to

This alternative uses the correct verb form to indicate ownership or association.

is a member of

Replaces "belonging" with a phrase emphasizing membership within a group.

is part of

Focuses on inclusion and being an element of a larger whole.

is associated with

Highlights a connection or relationship, rather than direct belonging.

is connected to

Indicates a link or bond, suggesting a less formal relationship.

is affiliated with

Suggests a formal association or alliance.

has a place in

Emphasizes the rightful inclusion or acceptance within a context.

fits into

Suggests compatibility and integration within a specific environment.

aligns with

Highlights agreement or correspondence with certain values or principles.

is relevant to

Focuses on the pertinence or applicability of something within a context, rather than direct belonging.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the verb "belong" in a sentence?

Use "belongs" for singular subjects (e.g., "This book belongs to me") and "belong" for plural subjects (e.g., "These books belong to me"). You can also use phrases like "is part of" or "is a member of".

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "is belonging"?

The correct alternative is usually "belongs" or a rephrasing using phrases like "is a part of", "is associated with", or "is related to".

Is there a difference between saying "belongs to" and "is belonging to"?

Yes, "belongs to" is the correct simple present tense form used to indicate ownership or membership. "Is belonging to" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

When is it appropriate to use a continuous tense with the verb 'belong'?

While "is belonging" is generally incorrect, you might encounter it in very specific, non-standard uses. However, it's best to avoid this phrasing and opt for clearer alternatives like "is part of" or rewording the sentence entirely.