they are asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are asking" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The parents were asking why the children were late for dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They are asking him questions".

The New York Times

"Now they are asking for them.

The New York Times

Now they are asking the opposite question.

The Economist

"They are asking, 'Where is the government?

The New York Times

They are asking me to stay".

The New York Times - Sports

But now they are asking.

The New York Times - Books

They are asking $8 million.

The New York Times

They are asking for money.

The New York Times

They are asking themselves questions," he said.

The New York Times - Style

"They are asking whether it's true.

The New York Times

Rather they are asking for fewer restrictions.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are asking" when referring to a group of people who are seeking information, making a request, or posing a question. Ensure the context makes it clear who "they" refers to.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group. If the group is unclear, specify who is asking the question or making the request for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are asking" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. Ludwig examples showcase its use in reporting questions, requests, or inquiries made by a group. The phrase indicates an ongoing action of seeking information or demanding something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are asking" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group of people posing questions or making requests. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, predominantly from news and media sources. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase can be adapted for more formal contexts by using synonyms like "they are inquiring". When using "they are asking", ensure that the pronoun "they" has a clear referent to avoid ambiguity. This phrase is highly versatile and frequently encountered in contemporary writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're questioning

This alternative replaces "asking" with "questioning", emphasizing the act of seeking information or expressing doubt.

they're inquiring

Using "inquiring" instead of "asking" adds a slightly more formal tone to the phrase.

they're requesting

This alternative focuses on the act of making a formal demand or solicitation.

they're seeking

Replaces asking with seeking, highlighting the pursuit of information or something else.

they want to know

This alternative simplifies the phrase, focusing on the desire for knowledge.

they would like to know

This is a more polite and formal way of saying "they want to know" or "they are asking".

they are wondering

This conveys a sense of curiosity or speculation, rather than a direct request.

what are they asking

Changes the sentence to a question, emphasizing the specific nature of their inquiries.

the questions they're posing

This alternative focuses on the specific questions being presented.

they are demanding

Replaces "asking" with "demanding", implying a forceful or insistent request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they are asking" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can replace "they are asking" with phrases like "they are inquiring", "they are requesting", or "they would like to know".

What's the difference between "they are asking" and "they are demanding"?

"They are asking" implies a simple request for information or action, while "they are demanding" suggests a forceful or insistent request. The choice depends on the context and the level of urgency or insistence involved.

Is it correct to use "they're asking" instead of "they are asking"?

Yes, "they're asking" is a contraction of "they are asking" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts, particularly in informal writing or speech. Both forms are grammatically correct.

What can I say instead of "they are asking" if I want to emphasize their curiosity?

If you want to emphasize their curiosity, consider using phrases like "they are wondering" or "they are curious to know".