we are needing

USAGE SUMMARY

Using the phrase 'we are needing' is not typically considered correct English usage, particularly as a stand-alone sentence.
The phrase is typically seen in spoken language, as a truncation of the phrase 'we are needing to (verb).' For example, "We are needing to find a new restaurant for lunch." In written English, it is more common to use the correct phrase 'We need to (verb).'.

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We are needing".

The New Yorker

We are needing an intervention".

The New Yorker

Usually "we are needing" came later.

The New Yorker

We increased the tempo in the second half, we came back twice from a goal down, but we are needing other teams to drop points or we cannot qualify".

The New York Times - Sports

We are needing solutions now to take this forward".

BBC

Smith added: "I feel like I've come back home, every has welcomed me back with open arms, "There are a few things we are needing to do behind the scene to freshen things up to make sure we are putting some money into the playing squad so that we have a very strong side for next season".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And we are needed in airports.

The New York Times

We are needed on the highways.

The New York Times

It is not every day that we are needed.

The Guardian - Books

MP: We will certainly go where we are needed.

Unicef

We're needing to rescue the situation all the time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In spoken English, "we are needing" can add a sense of urgency or immediacy. However, be mindful of your audience, as it might be perceived as less polished in certain contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "we are needing" in formal documents or academic papers. Opt for "we need" or "we require" to maintain a professional tone and avoid potential misinterpretations of your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are needing" functions as a verb phrase in the progressive aspect, indicating an ongoing or current state of requiring something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often a truncated form of "we are needing to (verb)".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are needing" expresses an ongoing requirement. Although grammatically acceptable, it's less formal than alternatives like "we need" or "we require". As Ludwig AI highlights, this expression is more commonly found in spoken language or less formal writing. The provided examples from Ludwig show usage in contexts like news reports and personal blogs, suggesting a moderate level of formality. For academic or professional writing, opting for more direct alternatives like "we need" is advisable to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we require

Replaces the progressive form with a simple present tense verb, indicating a general need.

we need

Simplifies the progressive form to a simple present tense, making the statement more direct and grammatically standard.

we are required

Shifts from active voice to passive voice, emphasizing the requirement rather than the actor.

we must have

Expresses a strong sense of necessity or obligation.

it is essential for us

Introduces a more formal and emphatic way of stating a requirement.

we find necessary

Highlights the act of deeming something as necessary, rather than just stating the need.

we are short of

Indicates a deficiency or lack of something, focusing on the shortage.

we lack

Directly states the absence of something, often implying a negative consequence.

we could do with

Suggests that something would be beneficial or helpful, but not strictly necessary.

we would benefit from

Highlights the potential advantages of having something, rather than just the need itself.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we are needing" is typically used to express a current or ongoing need. For example, "We are needing more volunteers for the event."

What can I say instead of "we are needing"?

You can use alternatives like "we need", "we require", or "we are in need of depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to say "we are needing"?

While not always considered standard, "we are needing" is often used in spoken English to emphasize a current or immediate need. In formal writing, "we need" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "we are needing" and "we need"?

"We are needing" suggests an ongoing or immediate requirement, while "we need" is a general statement of requirement. The former can add emphasis to the urgency of the situation.