they are encountering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are encountering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where individuals are facing or coming across something, often challenges or issues. Example: "In their research, they are encountering several unexpected obstacles that require further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, they are encountering some formidable challenges.

Harvard Business Review

And lawyers say they are encountering other unusual obstacles, too.

The New York Times

The Iraqis that they are encountering, he said, still have rocket-propelled grenades.

The New York Times

"For many of the people who cross, they have no idea what they are encountering".

The New York Times

Every year they are encountering higher numbers of children dealing with the stresses of poverty and trauma.

Harvard University

As they expand, they are encountering opposition from consumers, physicians, hospital groups and officials in a number of states.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Constrained optimization problems are very important as they are encountered in many engineering applications.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Key biophysical and biochemical techniques will be discussed as they are encountered within primary literature.

Stanford University

Each must be considered as they are encountered in the marketplace.

Harvard University

They are encountered, mostly at night, waking up to reclaim their mother.

The Guardian - Books

Our analysis contains two features that are uncommon in finance, while they are encountered in other fields of science.

International Review of Financial Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a less confrontational or surprising interaction, consider alternatives such as "they are meeting" or "they are finding".

Common error

Avoid using "they are encountering" when simpler alternatives like "they see" or "they find" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex, especially when describing routine or expected situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are encountering" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a group or entity is in the process of coming across, facing, or experiencing something. This usage aligns with Ludwig's findings and the provided examples, showcasing active engagement or interaction with a particular situation or element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are encountering" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a group or entity actively facing or coming across something, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science, indicating its versatility. While "they are encountering" is generally neutral, using simpler alternatives in routine situations is advisable to avoid unnecessary formality. Remember to ensure the context clearly defines who "they" refers to. High-quality sources like The New York Times and academic institutions support the phrase's credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are facing

This alternative directly replaces "encountering" with "facing", suggesting a more direct confrontation with a challenge or obstacle.

they are confronting

This suggests a deliberate act of facing a challenge or opponent, implying a more active engagement.

they are dealing with

This alternative emphasizes the act of managing or handling a situation or problem that they have encountered.

they are experiencing

This phrase indicates that they are undergoing or feeling the effects of something, focusing on the subjective experience of encountering.

they are running into

This suggests an unexpected or accidental meeting with something, often a problem or difficulty.

they are discovering

This emphasizes the act of finding or learning about something new, suggesting an element of surprise or investigation.

they are finding

A general term for locating or coming across something, which could be positive or negative.

they are meeting

This is a more general term for coming into contact with something, without necessarily implying a challenge or difficulty.

they are witnessing

Implies they are present and observing an event or situation, often one of significance or importance.

they are observing

This suggests a more passive role, where they are noticing or watching something as it occurs.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are encountering" to describe a situation where a group is facing or coming across something, often a challenge or difficulty. For example: "In their research, "they are encountering" several unexpected obstacles that require further investigation."

What are some alternatives to "they are encountering"?

You can use alternatives like "they are facing", "they are experiencing", or "they are running into" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "they are encountering" versus "they are finding"?

"They are encountering" suggests facing something possibly challenging or unexpected, while "they are finding" simply implies discovering something. Use "they are encountering" when you want to emphasize the challenges or difficulties faced.

Is "they're encountering" more or less formal than "they are encountering"?

"They're encountering" is a contraction of "they are encountering" and is slightly less formal. In formal writing, it's generally preferred to use "they are encountering", while "they're encountering" is suitable for more informal contexts.