we are inspecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are inspecting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an ongoing action of examining or checking something closely. Example: "As part of our quality control process, we are inspecting the products for any defects before they are shipped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And pretty soon, we are inspecting an incredible purple patch outside his front door with a rampant morning glory and, at the back, shared gardens by the canal in keeping with the community spirit that has defined his life.

The Guardian - Film

Because we are inspecting only the chromosomes in one cross, we refrain from generalizing this conclusion to other cases.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We couldn't safely get inspectors into factories but since February we've been able to mobilise... We've competed 260 or so inspections so far, we're inspecting to the tune of 60-odd per day every day and we'll complete them by September.

The Guardian

We're inspecting shipping containers now.

The New Yorker

"We are ready, we're inspecting farms, we're fully trained," Mr. Farrar said.

The New York Times

He was gazing around the space we were inspecting, at the bottom of some temporary wooden stairs.

The New Yorker

A young gull came begging when we were inspecting the net, and we did toss it a few minnows, which it quickly gobbled up.

The New York Times - Arts

(The surgeon's glasses are also embarrassing to use, because they have a kind of dorky mad scientist look. My student and I got lots of odd stares while we were inspecting the painting).

Huffington Post

One participant explained, "It's more about washing your hands and cooking the food at the proper temperatures, and addressing cross-contamination...When we're inspecting a place, I don't really focus so much on actual pathogens".

BMC Public Health

The last time we were inspected was two years ago," King said.

The Guardian

Nor would we be inspected to make sure that she is properly looked after.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are inspecting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being inspected and the purpose of the inspection for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid turning "we are inspecting" into a passive construction (e.g., 'the product is being inspected by us') unless absolutely necessary, as active voice is generally more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are inspecting" functions as a present continuous tense verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of examining something closely. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound expression used to describe a current inspection process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are inspecting" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing a current examination process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the action of closely examining something. While it's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various professional settings. When using this phrase, be sure to clearly define what is being inspected to enhance clarity and avoid overusing passive voice constructions. Consider alternatives like "we are examining" or "we are checking" to fit the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we're examining

Uses a synonym for "inspecting", maintaining a similar level of formality.

we're checking

Offers a more casual alternative for a less formal context.

we are reviewing

Suggests a more comprehensive and methodical examination.

we are assessing

Implies evaluating the quality or importance of something.

we are investigating

Suggests a deeper inquiry, often into something problematic.

we're observing

Focuses on watching and noticing details.

we are auditing

Implies an official examination of records or accounts.

we're surveying

Suggests a broad overview or assessment of a wide area.

we are probing

Implies exploring deeply and carefully.

we're scanning

Suggests a quick and less detailed look.

FAQs

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

Use "we are inspecting" to describe the act of carefully examining something. For example, "We are inspecting the equipment before the launch".

What is a more formal alternative to "we are inspecting"?

A more formal alternative could be "we are conducting an examination of". This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Which is correct: "we are inspecting" or "we will be inspecting"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey different meanings. "We are inspecting" refers to an ongoing process, while "we will be inspecting" refers to a future action.

What can I say instead of "we are inspecting" to sound less formal?

You could use phrases like "we're checking out" or "we are looking at" depending on the context.