we are scrambling

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are scrambling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an urgent or chaotic situation. For example, "We are scrambling to get the project done before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"We are scrambling for survival, for sure".

The New York Times

Right now, we are scrambling for money".

The New York Times - Food

"Just like any deadline, we are scrambling at the last minute," said John Skudin, newly appointed chief of Long Beach's 90 lifeguards, who will patrol the city's five-mile stretch of sand.

The New York Times

I emphasize that we are still recovering from the attacks, that living near the site is a burden, and that we are scrambling to tour and apply to high schools.

The New York Times

Olivia Blondheim, a graduate student at the University of Oregon who is part of a new research team set up to study the bloom, said: "Right now we are scrambling to learn as much as possible while we have the opportunity.

The Guardian

He said: "You go in, the players take care of their needs and get to the training room, the coaches meet, then the coaches come to the players, the offense is in the team room, the defense is in the locker room, the players meet with the coordinators first, then their position coaches, and then they come to me, and by that time we are scrambling to get out of there".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

We were scrambling.

The New York Times

"We're scrambling.

The New York Times

We were scrambling for our first day.

The Guardian - Film

"We're scrambling," said one intelligence official.

The New York Times

We were scrambling over the fence.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are scrambling" to describe situations where a group is working urgently and perhaps somewhat disorganizedly to meet a deadline or solve a problem. It conveys a sense of both speed and potential chaos.

Common error

While "we are scrambling" is widely understood, it can sound informal or even slightly unprofessional in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "we are expediting efforts" or "we are working diligently" when communicating with senior management or external stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are scrambling" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a present continuous tense construction, indicating an action that is currently in progress. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are scrambling" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where a group is working urgently, often in a somewhat disorganized manner. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s generally acceptable in written English and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While its register is mostly neutral, it may be perceived as too informal for certain highly formal settings. Alternatives like "we are expediting efforts" or "we are working diligently" might be more appropriate in such cases. Knowing when and how to use "we are scrambling" effectively can enhance your communication by conveying the appropriate sense of urgency and activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are rushing

This alternative conveys a sense of urgency but may lack the connotation of disorganization or desperation present in the original phrase.

we are hurrying

Similar to "we are rushing", this emphasizes speed but not necessarily the feeling of being overwhelmed or improvising.

we are in a frenzy

This option highlights the chaotic and agitated nature of the activity, adding more emotional intensity compared to the original.

we are struggling

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty and effort involved, focusing more on the challenge than the speed or disorganization.

we are working frantically

This emphasizes the intensity and speed of the work being done, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

we are racing against time

This option puts more emphasis on the limited time available and the pressure to complete something quickly.

we are up against it

This idiom suggests facing a difficult challenge with limited resources, implying a sense of urgency and pressure.

we are fighting tooth and nail

This emphasizes the struggle and determination to overcome obstacles, suggesting a fierce and competitive effort.

we are pulling out all the stops

This idiom indicates that all possible resources and efforts are being used to achieve a goal, suggesting a high level of commitment and urgency.

we are going all out

This option implies that maximum effort is being exerted, highlighting the commitment and intensity of the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are scrambling" to describe a situation where a group of people is working very hard and quickly, often in a somewhat disorganized way, to achieve a goal. For example, "We are scrambling to finish the report before the deadline."

What does "we are scrambling" mean?

"We are scrambling" means that a group of people is working very hard and quickly, often in a disorganized way, to achieve a goal or deal with an emergency.

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

You can use alternatives like "we are rushing", "we are hurrying", or "we are working frantically", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "we are scrambling" appropriate for formal communication?

While widely understood, "we are scrambling" is generally considered informal. In formal communication, consider alternatives like "we are expediting efforts" or "we are working diligently" for a more professional tone.