we are being

USAGE SUMMARY

"We are being" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation that is happening in the present, such as "We are being watched by a group of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We are being disrespected.

The New York Times

We are being paid".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are being Syrianised".

Independent

We are being bombarded.

The New York Times - Sports

We are being shortsighted.

The New York Times

"We are being demonized".

The New York Times - Science

We are being very deliberate".

The New York Times - Tech

And we are being slow.

The New York Times - Sports

We are being left behind".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Who we are is who we are.

The New York Times - Sports

"To be where we are is marvellous.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are being" to describe ongoing actions or states experienced by a group, especially when indicating that the action is being done to them by an external force or influence. For example, "We are being monitored" implies someone else is watching.

Common error

Avoid using "we are being" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "We are being proactive", consider "We are acting proactively" if the emphasis is on your own initiative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are being" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It indicates that a group is currently experiencing or undergoing a particular action or state performed by an external agent. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and wide usage of this construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are being" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe ongoing actions or states affecting a group. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and widely used expression. While generally neutral in tone, the specific context can influence its perceived formality. When using "we are being", consider whether the passive voice is the most appropriate choice, or if an active construction might be more direct. This ensures clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations. With the assistance of examples from Ludwig AI, you can confidently use "we are being" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're undergoing

Uses "undergoing" to emphasize a process or experience that is happening to the group.

we're experiencing

Focuses on the sensations or events that the group is currently encountering.

we're facing

Highlights challenges or situations the group is actively dealing with.

we're subjected to

Emphasizes that the group is on the receiving end of something, often negative.

we find ourselves in

Indicates a situation that the group is currently in, often unexpectedly.

circumstances dictate that we

Highlights external pressures or situations which force/influence an action.

we're in the process of

Emphasizes the progression of an action that is currently underway.

we're at the receiving end of

Emphasizes the group's position as the recipient of actions or events.

we're going through

Indicates a challenging or transformative experience that the group is navigating.

we are currently enduring

Highlights the experience of tolerating a difficult or painful situation.

FAQs

How is "we are being" used in a sentence?

The phrase "we are being" indicates an action that is currently happening to a group. For example, "We are being watched" means that someone is currently watching us. This construction uses the present continuous passive voice.

What can I say instead of "we are being"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we're undergoing", "we're experiencing", or "we're facing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "we are being impacted" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we are being impacted" is grammatically correct. It is often used to describe the effect of an event or situation on a group. However, consider whether the active voice might be more direct and impactful, such as "we are impacting" if the group is causing the impact.

What's the difference between "we are being" and "we are"?

"We are being" describes a temporary state or action happening to the group right now (present continuous passive), while "we are" describes a general or permanent state of being (simple present). For example, "We are being cautious" suggests temporary carefulness, while "We are careful" indicates a general tendency.