they are fencing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are fencing" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is a present continuous verb phrase, indicating that the action of fencing is currently taking place. Example: The two fencers faced each other, their swords at the ready. "En garde," the coach called out, and they began to spar. They were both skilled fencers, their movements fluid and precise as they parried and reposted. But suddenly, one of them stumbled, and the other landed a swift touch on their opponent's shoulder. "Touché!" the coach exclaimed. "Looks like they are fencing at an advanced level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are fencing off the swimming holes, literally or figuratively, because they expect privacy at their bucolic hideaways and, in these increasingly litigious times, they fear being sued.

The New York Times

They are fencing off the swimming holes, literally or figuratively, because of two intersecting concerns: they expect privacy at their bucolic hideaways, and in these litigious times, they fear being sued.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And thus, like so many of the unwanted before them, they are fenced into a township and forced to scavenge.

The New Yorker

"Many of these gardens are not usually seen from the street because they are fenced in and private," said Marcia Fix, chairwoman of this year's tour.

The New York Times

You'll need a torch to find your way around if there's no moon, and they are fenced off from wild pigs that snuffle round at night.

The Guardian - Travel

The Howard League questions how often girls and younger boys will be able to access the facilities on the main site if they are fenced off for their own protection.

The Guardian

Cattle can also hurt themselves as they flee from predators, even when they are fenced in, as they run straight through the fence.

Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice

As a young man, he accidentally stabbed his brother's eye out while they were fencing, an episode that haunted him all his life ("I see my hand / Passing over the palace of his face").

The Guardian - Books

But officials said they were fencing off more than 78 million acres of public land from solar development because the areas had less solar energy potential, did not have immediate access to transmission lines or posed a threat to important archaeological or cultural sites, endangered species, scarce water resources or other environmental values if developed.

The New York Times

But this evening they were fenced off from her, as Steven was.

The New Yorker

Far from being adults in bud, they were fenced off, in a garden of unknowing, and that is why parents were content to let Carroll, himself an innocent, wander in and browse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are fencing" to describe the action of installing a fence or figuratively to represent setting boundaries or restrictions.

Common error

Avoid using "they are fencing" literally when the context implies metaphorical boundaries. For instance, don't say "they are fencing their emotions" when "they are guarding their emotions" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are fencing" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It describes an action that is currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are fencing" is a grammatically correct and common present continuous verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used to describe an action currently in progress, either literally or metaphorically, such as setting boundaries. While it appears in various contexts, it's most frequently found in news, media, and scientific articles. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the specific context to ensure accuracy and avoid misinterpretations, particularly in figurative usage. Remember to use alternatives like "they are enclosing" or "they are delimiting" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are walling off

Emphasizes the construction of walls to separate or protect an area.

they are enclosing

Focuses on physically surrounding something with a barrier, similar to the literal sense of fencing.

they are hedging

Suggests creating a boundary, often with plants, to delineate space.

they are barricading

Suggests a more forceful or defensive action of blocking off an area.

they are screening off

Indicates using a screen or barrier to obscure or separate an area.

they are partitioning

Implies dividing an area into separate sections, like creating different zones.

they are palisading

Implies constructing a defensive barrier with stakes or poles.

they are circumscribing

Indicates setting limits or boundaries, often in a metaphorical sense.

they are delimiting

Focuses on clearly marking or defining the boundaries of an area.

they are confining

Highlights restricting movement or access within a certain space.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are fencing" to describe the physical act of putting up a fence, as in, "They are fencing the perimeter of the property." It can also be used metaphorically to mean setting boundaries, as in, "They are fencing off certain topics from discussion."

What are some alternatives to saying "they are fencing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "they are enclosing", "they are barricading", or "they are delimiting".

Is it correct to use "they are fencing" in a figurative sense?

Yes, "they are fencing" can be used figuratively to describe the act of setting boundaries or restricting access, whether physical or metaphorical. For example, "They are fencing off access to sensitive information."

What's the difference between "they are fencing" and "they are fenced"?

"They are fencing" describes the ongoing action of putting up a fence, while "they are fenced" describes a state of being enclosed by a fence. For example, "They are fencing the garden" (action) versus "They are fenced in the garden" (state).