is running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action or state, typically in the present continuous tense. Example: "The software is running smoothly after the latest update."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fuel is running out.

The Economist

Your adrenaline is running.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, none is running".

The New York Times

"What is running really?

The New York Times

The meter is running".

The New Yorker

Space is running short.

The New York Times - Books

The engine is running.

The New Yorker

Anxiety is running high.

The New York Times

Time is running out.

The New York Times

Your nose is running.

The New Yorker

Business is running fine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of a machine or system, use "is running" to indicate that it's currently active and functioning as expected.

Common error

Avoid using "is running" excessively in highly formal documents; consider alternatives like "is operating" or "is functioning" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is running" functions primarily as a present continuous verb, indicating an action that is currently in progress or a state that is ongoing. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in various contexts, from describing machines operating to physical processes like water flowing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is running" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that functions as a present continuous verb, as shown by Ludwig AI examples. It describes ongoing actions or states across diverse contexts, maintaining a generally neutral formality level. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, writers should consider alternatives for highly formal settings. Ludwig AI's analysis further reveals its common occurrence in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science sources. The versatility of "is running" makes it a staple in everyday language, describing anything from a smoothly operating software to a candidate's political campaign.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is operating

Emphasizes the functional aspect of something; often used for machines or systems.

is functioning

Similar to "is operating", but focuses on the successful performance of a task or process.

is in progress

Indicates that an action or event is currently taking place.

is underway

A more formal way of saying "is in progress".

is flowing

Specifically refers to liquids or other substances moving continuously.

is circulating

Suggests movement in a loop or system.

is expiring

Implies that something is coming to an end, like a deadline or a resource.

is campaigning

Refers to someone actively seeking a political position.

is competing

Indicates active participation in a race or contest.

is escaping

Highlights the action of breaking free or avoiding something.

FAQs

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

You can use "is running" to describe an ongoing action, like "The program "is running" smoothly", or a state of being, such as "My nose "is running" because of the cold".

What are some alternatives to "is running"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is operating", "is functioning", or "is in progress".

Is it correct to say "the clock is running out"?

Yes, "the clock "is running out"" is a common and correct idiom used to indicate that time is limited.

What's the difference between "is running" and "is going to run"?

"Is running" indicates an action happening now, while "is going to run" implies a future action. For example, "He "is running" a marathon today" versus "He is going to run a marathon next year".