they are doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to express that someone is in the process of doing something. For example, "They are doing their best to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are doing better".

The New York Times

They are doing stuff.

The New York Times

They are doing O.K.

The New Yorker

They are doing that".

The New York Times

They are doing so.

The New York Times - Sports

"They are doing good work".

The New York Times

They are doing just fine.

The New York Times

Instead, they are doing worse.

The New York Times

They are doing their job.

The New York Times

They are doing no harm.

The New York Times

They are doing badly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are doing" when you want to describe an action that is currently in progress or a habitual activity.

Common error

In formal writing, overuse of "they are doing" can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Replace it with a more specific verb or phrase that accurately reflects the action being performed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are doing" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and widely applicable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are doing" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to describe ongoing actions or activities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, though more formal writing might benefit from more specific alternatives. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business sources. While the phrase itself is simple, being mindful of context and potential alternatives can enhance clarity and sophistication in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're performing

Replaces "doing" with "performing", suggesting a focus on the execution or enactment of an action.

they're executing

Emphasizes the carrying out of a plan or task; slightly more formal than "doing".

they're undertaking

Implies a more significant or complex endeavor than simply "doing".

they are achieving

Focuses on the successful completion or accomplishment of something, rather than the process itself.

they're working on

Specifies that the action is a work in progress; emphasizes effort and development.

they're in the process of

Highlights the ongoing nature of the action; more verbose than "they are doing".

they're occupied with

Suggests that their time and attention are engaged in a particular activity.

they're engaged in

Similar to "occupied with" but can also imply participation in a larger activity or system.

they are handling

Implies managing or dealing with a situation or task; suggests a degree of control.

they are fulfilling

Focuses on the completion of a duty, role, or expectation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "they are doing" is used to describe an ongoing action or activity. For example, "they are doing their best to complete the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "they are doing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they are performing", "they are executing", or "they are undertaking".

Is "they are doing" formal or informal?

"They are doing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal writing, consider using more precise language.

What's the difference between "they are doing" and "they do"?

"They are doing" indicates an ongoing action, while "they do" typically refers to a habitual action or a general truth. For example, "they are doing research" (ongoing) versus "they do research" (as a profession).