they are engaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are engaged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a couple has agreed to marry or to describe someone who is involved in a particular activity or commitment. Example: "After dating for two years, they are engaged and planning their wedding for next summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are engaged — permanently.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are engaged, and they are direct".

The New York Times

They are engaged with the problem.

The Guardian

They are engaged to be married.

The Guardian

They are giggly, they are engaged.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They are engaged in training and mentoring".

The Guardian

They are engaged in helping one another.

Harvard Business Review

But they are engaged and active.

The Washington Post

Like cheerleaders, they are engaged primarily in performance art.

The New York Times

Mark tells everyone on the bus they are engaged.

The New Yorker

They are engaged to be married in January.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are engaged in" to emphasize active participation or involvement in a task or activity.

Common error

Avoid using "they are engaged" solely for romantic relationships. Ensure the context aligns with either a formal agreement to marry or active involvement in a specific activity. Otherwise, choose a more appropriate phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are engaged" functions as a declarative statement indicating either a formal agreement to marry or active involvement in a particular activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile application, supporting its role in conveying commitment or participation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are engaged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase with two primary meanings: indicating a couple's intention to marry or describing active participation in a specific activity. Ludwig AI supports its correctness and adaptability across various contexts, although careful attention should be paid to ensure the chosen meaning aligns with the situation. As noted, it appears most frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts, making it a versatile and reliable expression for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are betrothed

Replaces "engaged" with a more formal and somewhat archaic term implying a promise to marry.

they are affianced

Similar to "betrothed", this term emphasizes the formal agreement to marry.

they are committed

Emphasizes dedication and loyalty, applicable to relationships or projects.

they are dedicated

Implies a strong sense of purpose and devotion to a particular cause.

they are involved

Indicates participation or commitment without necessarily implying a romantic relationship or marriage.

they are participating

Highlights their active role in something, such as an activity or event.

they are undertaking

Suggests that they are actively pursuing an important task.

they are immersed

Suggests a deep level of involvement and focus in a particular activity.

they are engrossed

Implies they are completely absorbed and captivated by something.

they are occupied

Indicates they are busy and have their attention directed towards something specific.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are engaged" to describe a couple who has agreed to marry, as in "After a year of dating, "they are engaged" and planning their wedding". Alternatively, you can use it to describe people involved in an activity, like "They are engaged in research on renewable energy".

What's the difference between "they are engaged" and "they are dating"?

"They are dating" means they are in a romantic relationship but without a formal commitment to marry. "They are engaged" implies a formal agreement to marry, signifying a deeper commitment.

What are some alternative ways to say "they are engaged" in the context of marriage?

In the context of marriage, you can use alternatives such as "they are betrothed" or "they are affianced". These options are more formal and less commonly used.

Is it correct to say "they are engaging" instead of "they are engaged"?

While "engaging" can describe something interesting or attractive, it's not interchangeable with ""they are engaged"" when referring to a marriage agreement. "Engaging" implies active participation or being interesting, not a formal commitment.