they are coming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are coming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a group of people or things is approaching or arriving soon. Example: "I can hear the sounds of footsteps; they are coming down the hallway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are coming together.

The New York Times

They are coming through".

Independent

They are coming.

The New York Times

Now they are coming back".

The New Yorker

They are coming, jubilantly.

The New York Times - Sports

They are coming home.

The New York Times

GREG: ''They are coming.

The New York Times

They are coming off.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"They are coming to get me.

The New York Times

They are coming in from all sides.

The New York Times

"I understand where they are coming from".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are coming" to create a sense of anticipation or impending action in your writing. For example, "Despite the setbacks, they are coming back stronger than ever".

Common error

Ensure that "they" accurately refers to a plural subject. Avoid using "they are coming" when referring to a singular entity; instead, use "it is coming" or another appropriate construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are coming" primarily functions as a statement indicating an impending arrival or approach. Ludwig shows this phrase is used to describe people, objects, or events moving towards a specific location or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are coming" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a group of people or things is approaching. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage is widespread across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, ensure that "they" refers to a plural subject to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives such as "they are arriving" or "they are on their way" to add nuance or formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are arriving

Replaces "coming" with a more formal synonym, implying a definite arrival.

they are approaching

Indicates movement toward a specific point, focusing on the act of nearing.

they are on their way

Emphasizes the process of traveling to a destination.

they are heading here

Specifies direction and intention of arrival.

they will be here soon

Highlights the imminence of their arrival.

they draw near

A more literary way to express approaching, often implying something significant.

they are advancing

Suggests a more forceful or strategic movement towards a location.

they are turning up

Indicates an informal arrival, often unexpected.

they are showing up

Similar to 'turning up', highlighting the act of appearing at a place.

they are inbound

Describes something or someone coming into a specific location or system, often used in logistics or aviation.

FAQs

How can I use "they are coming" in a sentence?

Use "they are coming" to indicate that a group of people or things is approaching or arriving. For example, "I can hear the sounds of footsteps; they are coming down the hallway."

What can I say instead of "they are coming"?

You can use alternatives like "they are arriving", "they are approaching", or "they are on their way" depending on the context.

Is "they're coming" a correct contraction of "they are coming"?

Yes, "they're coming" is the contracted form of "they are coming" and is perfectly acceptable in informal writing and speech. However, in more formal contexts, it's often preferable to use the full form, "they are coming."

What's the difference between "they are coming" and "they have come"?

"They are coming" indicates an action that is currently in progress, meaning the subjects are in the process of arriving. "They have come", on the other hand, indicates that the subjects have already arrived.