it is running

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it is running" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used both in formal and informal contexts.
For example: "I heard the dishwasher running, so I know it's working properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is running out of room.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is running out of puff.

The Economist

Too tight, it is running over.

The New Yorker

Quit ImageJ if it is running.

Columbia University

So far this year it is running fifth.

The New York Times

It is running second in both polls.

The Guardian

It is running at the Culture Project.

The New York Times

And it is running at a profit.

The Guardian

It is running out of games.

The New York Times - Sports

It is running through Dec. 23.

The New York Times

It is running in DEMETER control center in Orléans, France.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is running" to describe processes, systems, or programs that are currently active or in operation. For variety, consider "it is operating" or "it is functioning" when emphasizing the active state.

Common error

Avoid using "it is running" when describing something's inherent capability rather than its active state. For example, instead of "The program is running efficiently", consider "The program is designed for efficiency" if you are describing a feature rather than an active process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is running" serves as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in both formal and informal contexts. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing various processes and activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

12%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is running" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that describes an action or process currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in both formal and informal settings. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that it's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia sources. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "it is operating" or it is in progress for variety and to more precisely convey the intended meaning. Be mindful of not overusing it in static descriptive contexts. Overall, "it is running" is a reliable and effective way to communicate ongoing activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is operating

Replaces "running" with "operating", emphasizing the functional aspect.

it is functioning

Similar to "operating", but can also refer to processes or systems.

it is in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the action.

it is underway

Similar to "in progress", suggesting that something has commenced.

it is happening

Highlights the occurrence or taking place of an event.

it is occurring

A more formal alternative to "happening".

it is working

Indicates that something is in a state of working or being effective.

it is performing

Emphasizes the act of carrying out a task or function.

it is proceeding

A formal way to say that something is moving forward.

it is flowing

Describes a continuous movement, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is running" to describe something that is currently in operation, such as a program, a process, or an engine. For instance, "The application is running smoothly" or "The engine is running at full capacity".

What are some alternatives to "it is running"?

Alternatives to "it is running" include phrases like ""it is operating"", ""it is functioning"", or "it is in progress", depending on the specific context.

Is "it is running" formal or informal?

"It is running" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the specific context and surrounding language will further determine the overall formality.

What's the difference between "it is running" and "it runs"?

"It is running" describes an action that is currently in progress, while "it runs" describes a general or habitual action. For example, "The program is running now" indicates current activity, whereas "The program runs every day" indicates a routine.