we are passing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are passing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are indicating that you are moving by something or someone, or in a metaphorical sense, such as time or opportunities. Example: "As we are passing through the city, I want to point out some of the historical landmarks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But we are passing the test".

The New York Times

And the laws we are passing are based on international best standards".

The New York Times

Sample tweet: "Apparently we are passing 'Clump of Trees Wood,' on the M1.

The New Yorker

The two children come out of another house just as we are passing.

The Economist

"Eventually we got water in plastic containers, which we are passing around the carriage.

The Guardian

It is the intelligence that they are receiving, and we are passing it on to people".

The Economist

"We are passing up a great opportunity and again the American people will have been deceived".

The New York Times

"Us Puerto Ricans, we are passing by, and the Dominican community has to take power.

The New York Times

The society we are passing to today's young people is seriously damaged.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They are playing basketball, and we are passing and standing around.

The New York Times - Sports

We are passing, for now, because it is not a story that can be proven to the level we demand".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, ensure that the object being 'passed' is clearly defined. For example, "we are passing through a difficult phase" clarifies the nature of the transition.

Common error

While "we are passing" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound monotonous. Consider using more precise verbs to convey the specific action, such as "conveying", "transferring", or "transitioning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are passing" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed by a group. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe movement, transition, or conveyance. Examples in Ludwig show various usages, from physical movement to metaphorical transitions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are passing" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies movement, transition, or conveyance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. The analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently used in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal or scientific writing might benefit from more precise alternatives. Remember to use specific verbs in place of "we are passing" if the sentence needs more clarity, and be mindful not to overuse it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are going through

Replaces "passing" with "going through", emphasizing the experience of moving through a situation or phase.

we are moving through

Emphasizes the act of physically or metaphorically moving through something.

we are proceeding with

Focuses on the continuation of a process or action.

we are handing over

Highlights the act of transferring responsibility or items.

we are conveying

Focuses on the act of communicating or transmitting information.

we are transmitting

Similar to "conveying", but often used in more technical contexts.

we are transferring

Emphasizes the act of moving something from one place or person to another.

we are getting past

Indicates overcoming an obstacle or moving beyond a difficulty.

we are getting over

Similar to "getting past", but often refers to emotional or psychological recovery.

we are progressing

Focuses on the act of advancing or developing.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are passing" to indicate a physical movement (e.g., "We are passing the stadium now"), a transfer of something (e.g., "We are passing on the knowledge"), or a transition through a period (e.g., "We are passing through a difficult time").

What are some alternatives to "we are passing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we are going through", "we are moving through", "we are handing over", or "we are conveying".

Is "we are passing" formal or informal?

"We are passing" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more specific verbs might be preferable in formal writing to enhance precision.

What's the difference between "we are passing through" and "we are going through"?

While both phrases indicate experiencing something, "we are passing through" often suggests a temporary state or a phase, whereas "we are going through" can imply a more prolonged or intense experience. For example, "We are passing through a tunnel" versus "We are going through a crisis".