they are fighting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'they are fighting' is correct and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: "The two brothers had been arguing for hours, and when it got too heated, they were fighting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Why they are fighting?

The New York Times

Now they are fighting".

Independent

They are fighting us.

Independent

They are fighting the Muslims in Sudan.

The New Yorker

They are fighting and killing us.

The New York Times

They are fighting the move in court.

The New York Times

"They are fighting every day.

The New York Times

They are fighting a dictator".

The Guardian

"They are fighting a jihad".

The New York Times - Magazine

What they are fighting for dominates their minds far more than what they are fighting against..

The New Yorker

"They are fighting in Kobani," said Mr Hussein.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are fighting", consider the level of formality required. In formal contexts, alternatives like "they are in conflict" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "they are fighting" when the situation involves only a verbal disagreement or debate. "Arguing" or "disagreeing" may be more accurate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are fighting" functions as a verb phrase indicating an ongoing conflict or struggle. It describes an action performed by a group, as evidenced by numerous examples in Ludwig. It adheres to standard grammatical rules, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are fighting" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an ongoing conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts to report on various struggles, both physical and non-physical. While its register is generally neutral, considering the context is important to avoid misinterpretations of the scope of the "fighting". Remember to clarify who "they" are and what they are fighting for or against. Alternative phrases like "they are battling" or "they are in conflict" can add nuance or formality as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are battling

Replaces "fighting" with "battling", implying a more prolonged or significant conflict.

they are at war

Indicates a state of war, a more formal and intense level of conflict than simply "fighting".

they are struggling

Suggests a difficult or challenging conflict, possibly against unfavorable odds.

they are in conflict

A more formal way of saying they are fighting, implying a disagreement or clash of interests.

they are contending

Emphasizes the competitive aspect of the conflict, suggesting a rivalry or contest.

they are defending themselves

Highlights the defensive nature of the conflict, implying they are protecting themselves from attack.

they are resisting

Suggests opposition to a force or authority, often implying a moral or political dimension.

they are locked in combat

Emphasizes the direct engagement and intensity of the fighting.

they are competing

Indicates rivalry, not necessarily physical, but in areas such as sports or business.

they are opposing

Highlights the act of being against something, which may or may not involve direct conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "they are fighting" to describe an ongoing conflict between two or more parties. For example, "The two armies are fighting over disputed territory".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "they are battling", "they are struggling", or "they are in conflict".

What's the difference between "they are fighting" and "they are arguing"?

"They are fighting" suggests a more intense conflict, potentially involving physical violence or significant opposition. "They are arguing" implies a verbal disagreement or debate.

Is "they are fighting" always used to describe a physical conflict?

No, "they are fighting" can also describe non-physical conflicts, such as legal battles or political struggles. For example, "They are fighting for equal rights".