we are lingering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are lingering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of remaining in a place or situation longer than necessary, often implying hesitation or reluctance to leave. Example: "As the sun began to set, we are lingering by the shore, enjoying the last moments of daylight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We linger because we have to, because we are waiting for a delayed or canceled flight, or we are lingering to collect baggage that didn't travel with us for some reason.

The New York Times

"Am I moralizing," he asked, "if I say that I think we are lingering longer on these devices than we realize or admit?" The same day, my brother sent along a link for a new app (leafsnap) that allows users to identify trees by submitting photos of leaves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

After a pleasant brunch upstairs we were lingering in the front hall when it occurred to me that since we were, after all, inside the Society of Illustrators, playing a game called Draw Something would be particularly apt.

The New York Times - Arts

Our mutual willingness to blow off work, however (or at least roll in late because we were lingering over breakfast), did make me feel certain that Seung would soon become my boyfriend.

The New York Times

"Although some of us voted for and others against the amendment, we all agree that there are lingering questions and concerns about the current" data collection program, the letter stated.

The New York Times

True, there are lingering environmental issues.

Independent

But the storm's effects are lingering.

The New York Times

And there are lingering misconceptions about the disease's demographics.

Cornell University

People are lingering to read and add their own.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

There are lingering pans across the ingredients.

The Guardian - Film

Some of the affordable are lingering too".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are lingering" to suggest a sense of relaxed prolongation, often implying enjoyment or hesitation to leave. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

Common error

Avoid using "we are lingering" when a past tense is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "Yesterday, we are lingering at the cafe", use "Yesterday, we lingered at the cafe".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are lingering" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, describing an action that is currently in progress. It suggests a state of remaining in a place or situation longer than necessary. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are lingering" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of prolonging one's stay in a particular place or situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English. While not overly common, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts, but is also acceptable in academia and business. When using "we are lingering", consider the connotations of relaxed prolongation and the potential for alternative phrases like "we are delaying our departure" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are delaying our departure

Focuses on the act of postponing leaving a place.

we are prolonging our stay

Emphasizes extending the duration of being somewhere.

we are remaining longer

Highlights the act of staying for a greater amount of time.

we are tarrying

Implies a leisurely delay or hesitation in proceeding.

we are dallying

Suggests a playful or frivolous delay.

we are hanging around

Conveys a casual sense of staying in a place without a specific purpose.

we are sticking around

Emphasizes the decision to remain in a particular location.

we are taking our time

Highlights the unhurried pace and lack of urgency.

we are pausing momentarily

Highlights a brief suspension of an activity.

we are drawing out our visit

Focuses on extending the duration of a planned visit.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are lingering" to describe remaining in a place longer than necessary, often due to enjoyment or reluctance to leave. For example, "After dinner, "we are lingering" on the patio, enjoying the cool evening air".

What are some alternatives to "we are lingering"?

Some alternatives include "we are delaying our departure", "we are prolonging our stay", or "we are remaining longer". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "we are lingering" formal or informal?

"We are lingering" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall style of writing.

What's the difference between "we are lingering" and "we are waiting"?

"We are lingering" implies staying longer than strictly necessary, often for pleasure or hesitation, while "we are waiting" simply indicates that we are remaining in a place until something happens or someone arrives.