we are in session

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are in session" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as meetings, classes, or formal gatherings to indicate that the group is currently convened and actively engaged in discussion or activities. Example: "The committee has gathered to discuss the new policy changes, and we are in session until all matters are addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"The best predictor of whether we are in session after the election is the Senate race in Missouri," Representative Dick Armey of Texas, the Republican leader, said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And whatever technical concern the governor might have had about the methodology could have been resolved the next time we were in session in Albany".

The New York Times

The outcome of those votes was such a foregone conclusion, he said, "It's almost laughable that we were in session yesterday".

The New York Times

Lastly, when it comes to chasing campaign money, Daschle suggests, "We should not allow members of Congress to raise money while we're in session.

Huffington Post

"Here we are on the first full day in the House when we're in session this year, debating a measure that would take us immediately back to the brink of default," Levin said.

Huffington Post

At the end of the season, it's great to look at that stuff, but while we were in session, he didn't care about any of that stuff.

Los Angeles Times

We are in summer session right now and operating on a normal schedule.

The Washington Post

We are in a new session of parliament now.

The Guardian - Opinion

When classes at the University of Chicago are in session we are open until 5 45pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

University of Chicago

When classes at the University of Chicago are in session, we are open until 5 45pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

University of Chicago

"It's a huge waste of time at a moment when statehouses are in session and we should be doing accountability work and getting laws passed".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are in session" to clearly indicate that a meeting, class, court proceeding, or other formal gathering has begun and is currently active. Avoid using it for informal gatherings.

Common error

Avoid using "we are in session" in casual conversations or informal settings. It's best reserved for formal or semi-formal situations to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are in session" primarily functions as a declarative statement. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates the start or continuation of a formal gathering, such as a meeting, class, or court proceeding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are in session" is a grammatically correct phrase used to announce the commencement of a formal gathering, such as a meeting, class, or court proceeding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its suitability for formal contexts. Its frequency is common, appearing predominantly in news media, academic settings, and formal business environments. Related phrases include "we are currently meeting" and "we are now underway", though these may have slightly different connotations. It’s important to reserve this phrase for formal settings to maintain an appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are currently meeting

Focuses on the act of meeting, which is different than referring to a general session.

we are now underway

Suggests the beginning or continuation of an activity, but is more general than 'in session'.

we are actively engaged

Emphasizes the engagement level, while 'in session' simply marks the occurrence.

we are gathered here

Highlights the act of gathering, more suitable for opening remarks.

we have commenced

Indicates that something has started; more formal than "we are in session".

we are now conducting business

Emphasizes the business aspect, not just the act of being in session.

the meeting is open

Focuses on the meeting's status of being open and ready to proceed.

the proceedings have begun

More formal and typically used in legal or official contexts.

the class is being held

Specifically for classes, indicating the class is in progress.

we are in progress

Describes something is happening, less formal and less specific.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are in session" to announce that a meeting, class, or formal gathering has begun. For example: "The court is now ready to begin, we are in session."

What does "we are in session" mean?

"We are in session" means that a formal gathering, such as a meeting, class, or court proceeding, has officially started and is currently taking place.

What's the difference between "we are in session" and "we are meeting"?

"We are in session" is more formal and typically used for official gatherings like court or parliament, while "we are meeting" is more general and can apply to less formal situations.

Are there more formal alternatives to "we are in session"?

More formal alternatives include "the proceedings have commenced" or "the court is now open". These are typically used in highly official or legal contexts.