we are dying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are dying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to express extreme distress, urgency, or a metaphorical sense of being overwhelmed. Example: "After hours of hiking in the scorching sun without water, we are dying of thirst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are dying".

Independent

We are dying here.

The Washington Post

"But we are dying from other ways.

The New York Times

"We are dying of hunger here.

The Guardian

"We are dying, 100%," he said.

The Guardian

We are dying off, one by one".

The Guardian - Books

We feel like we are dying slowly".

The Guardian

VP We are suffering, we are dying.

The Guardian

(Today! Oh no!)/We are dying as wanderers!

The Economist

From the moment of conception, we are dying".

The New York Times - Books

"We are dying of debts," wrote the editor, Giuseppe Caldarola.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "we are dying" in writing, ensure the context supports the strong emotion it conveys. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations where the stakes are genuinely high.

Common error

Avoid using "we are dying" in contexts that are only mildly inconvenient or frustrating. This diminishes the phrase's impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere. Reserve it for truly serious or critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are dying" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing a state of decline or imminent end. According to Ludwig, it is commonly used to convey extreme distress or urgency. Examples in Ludwig show its application in contexts ranging from physical suffering to societal or political crises.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are dying" is a powerful expression used to convey extreme distress, urgency, or a state of decline. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. Its primary function is to evoke empathy and signal the critical nature of a situation. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "we are perishing" or "we are fading away" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Ultimately, "we are dying" remains a potent tool for expressing dire circumstances, both literally and metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are perishing

Replaces "dying" with a more formal synonym, "perishing", indicating a slow decline or destruction.

we are reaching our end

Directly states the approach of an ultimate conclusion or termination.

we are fading away

Emphasizes a gradual disappearance or loss of strength and relevance.

we are living our last days

Highlights the final period of existence, focusing on the remaining time available.

we are nearing our demise

Implies a formal or significant end, often used in dramatic or serious contexts.

we are breathing our last

Suggests that the end is imminent, emphasizing the final moments of existence.

we are on our last legs

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that something is nearing its end or is in a state of decline.

we are facing extinction

Indicates the complete disappearance of a group or species, often used in ecological contexts.

we are in terminal decline

Describes a state of irreversible deterioration, often used in business or political analysis.

our end is nigh

Uses archaic language to indicate that the end is near, adding a dramatic or prophetic tone.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "we are dying"?

The phrase "we are dying" typically expresses a sense of extreme distress, urgency, or decline, either literally or metaphorically. It suggests that the situation is critical and nearing its end.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "we are dying"?

It's appropriate to use "we are dying" when conveying a severe situation where survival or well-being is at serious risk, or when describing a metaphorical decline leading to an end.

What are some alternative phrases to "we are dying"?

You can use alternatives like "we are perishing", "we are fading away", or "we are reaching our end" depending on the specific context.

Is "we are dying" an overused phrase?

While "we are dying" is a common expression, overuse in minor situations can dilute its impact. It's best reserved for circumstances where the sense of urgency or desperation is genuinely warranted.