we are challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are challenging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where you are questioning, contesting, or pushing back against something. Example: "In our latest report, we are challenging the assumptions made in previous studies regarding climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are challenging them to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are challenging the 'war on drugs'.

The Guardian

Now we are challenging every assumption".

The New York Times

"We are challenging the system from within," he said.

The New York Times

Seven points more and we are challenging for something.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are challenging today things that haven't happened in Europe for 70 years," he said.

The Guardian

We are challenging relationships taken for granted and stimulating ideas for different ways of organising society.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are challenging the FBI's demands with the deepest respect for American democracy," the statement began.

The Guardian - Tech

We are challenging them, but all the time the interest and penalties are accruing".

The Guardian - Money

Now we are challenging the validity of section 57.2, which is what I was accused of.

The New York Times

"I feel we are challenging what the First Amendment is and creating conversations," he said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are challenging" to introduce a critical analysis or a different perspective on a widely accepted idea or practice.

Common error

Avoid using "we are challenging" as a mere statement without presenting supporting arguments or data to substantiate your claim. Back up your challenges with concrete evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are challenging" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a proactive stance of questioning, contesting, or defying a specific entity or idea. It indicates an active engagement in scrutinizing or opposing something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are challenging" is a versatile expression used to convey disagreement, initiate debate, or advocate for change. As noted by Ludwig, it functions as a declarative statement expressing an active stance. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to provide supporting evidence to substantiate your claims. For alternatives, consider ""we are contesting"" or ""we are questioning"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are contesting

Focuses on formally disputing or opposing something.

we are questioning

Emphasizes the act of inquiry and doubt.

we are disputing

Highlights disagreement and debate.

we are defying

Suggests a bold or rebellious resistance.

we are confronting

Implies facing a difficult situation or opponent.

we are opposing

Indicates active resistance or disagreement.

we are bucking

Suggests resisting a trend or norm.

we are combating

Focuses on actively fighting or struggling against something.

we are tackling

Implies addressing a problem or issue head-on.

we are revolutionizing

Signifies a complete and fundamental change.

FAQs

How can I use "we are challenging" in a sentence?

Use "we are challenging" to express disagreement or questioning of a concept, rule, or idea. For example, "We are challenging the validity of this study" or "We are challenging the traditional approach to project management".

What are some alternatives to "we are challenging"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "we are contesting", "we are questioning", or "we are disputing".

Is it more appropriate to say "we challenge" or "we are challenging"?

"We challenge" is used to issue a direct challenge, while "we are challenging" describes an ongoing process of questioning or opposing something. For instance, "We challenge you to a debate" versus "We are challenging the assumptions of this theory."

What's the difference between "we are challenging" and "we are questioning"?

"We are challenging" often implies a stronger stance of opposition or disagreement, whereas ""we are questioning"" suggests a more neutral inquiry or examination. You challenge when you disagree, you question when you seek understanding.