they are using

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are using" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a way to refer to a group of people performing an activity. For example: "The students are using their laptops to research a project for class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are using us as a conduit".

Huffington Post

They are using force.

The New York Times

They are using them temporarily.

The New York Times

"Now they are using rockets.

Independent

But they are using French butter.

The New York Times

"Instead, they are using a sledgehammer".

The New York Times

They are using machine guns against civilians".

Independent

They are using more conciliatory language.

The New York Times

And they are using their own money.

The New York Times

They are using live ammunition.

The Guardian

"I hope they are using them".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group of people to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the engineers are using" instead of just "they are using" if the context is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "they are using" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader knows exactly who "they" refers to, or rephrase to be more specific, such as "the development team is using".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are using" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action performed by a group. Ludwig examples show it is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are using" is a grammatically correct and very common present continuous verb phrase used to describe an ongoing action performed by a group. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various situations. While alternatives like "they're utilizing" exist for more formal tones, ensuring clarity by specifying who "they" refers to is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and proper usage, making it a reliable choice for expressing current activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're utilizing

Uses a different verb with the same meaning but sounds more formal.

they're employing

Similar to utilizing, employing offers a more formal alternative.

they're making use of

Expresses the idea of using something in a more descriptive way.

they are implementing

Implies a more structured or planned usage.

they are applying

Suggests a specific purpose or method in the usage.

they're operating with

Suggests using a tool or system to get a task done.

they're working with

Suggests collaboration and joint usage of some tool or system.

they're taking advantage of

Implies using something opportunistically or strategically.

they're harnessing

Indicates using something powerful or difficult to control.

they're exploiting

Suggests using something for their own benefit, possibly unfairly.

FAQs

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

Use "they are using" to describe a group of people performing an action with an object or concept. For instance, "The scientists "they are using" new technology to conduct their experiments".

What are some alternatives to "they are using"?

You can use alternatives such as "they are utilizing", "they are employing", or "they are making use of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they're using" instead of "they are using"?

Yes, "they're using" is a contraction of "they are using" and is perfectly acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality.

How do I ensure clarity when using "they are using"?

Make sure the subject, "they", is clearly defined within the context. If there's any ambiguity, specify the group, like "the developers "they are using" the new software".