we are standing

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are standing" is a perfectly correct and usable sentence in written English.
You could use it in any context where you are describing a physical position. For example: "We are standing on top of the Empire State Building, taking in the views of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are standing by the Tunisian government.

Independent

"We are standing by them," she said.

Independent

"We are standing firmly behind the bank.

Independent

And we are standing together.

The Guardian

So we are standing guard".

The New Yorker

"This time we are standing.

The Guardian

We are standing at pool's edge.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bosse said: "We are standing for human rights, we are standing for dignity and we are standing for those who don't have a voice".

The Guardian - Film

The caller said: "We are standing behind Mr. President.

The New York Times

We are standing in the midst of a killing field..

The New Yorker

A: We are standing in front of it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are standing" to describe a physical location or a metaphorical position in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "we are standing" when describing purely abstract concepts without any implied physical or positional metaphor; more appropriate alternatives may exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are standing" primarily functions as a declarative statement describing a current state or location. This is supported by Ludwig's observation that the phrase is grammatically sound. In many examples, it sets the scene or context for further discussion, as seen in the examples describing physical locations or metaphorical positions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are standing" is a versatile expression used primarily to describe a physical or metaphorical location. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency in news and media underscores its role in setting context and conveying intent. While adaptable, it's crucial to avoid using it in purely abstract concepts. Related phrases such as "we are located" or "we find ourselves" may be more suitable in certain contexts. The examples from Ludwig highlight the diverse applications of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we find ourselves

Uses a more reflective tone, implying a situation one has come to be in.

we are positioned

Suggests a deliberate placement or strategic situation.

we are situated

Emphasizes the location or context where someone or something is.

we happen to be

Indicates a state of being that occurred by chance or coincidence.

we are located

Similar to 'situated' but typically used for more static locations.

our location is

Focuses specifically on the geographical or physical position.

we are present

Suggests active participation or a formal appearance.

we occupy

Highlights the act of taking up space or holding a position.

we attend

Implies being at a specific event or place with a purpose.

we exist

Points out a basic presence or state of being.

FAQs

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

"We are standing" is used to describe a current physical location, as in "we are standing in the park". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "we are standing at a crossroads".

What are some alternatives to "we are standing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we are located", "we find ourselves", or "we are positioned".

Is it correct to say "we're standing" instead of "we are standing"?

Yes, "we're standing" is a contracted form of "we are standing" and is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts. The full form is generally preferred for formal writing.

What does it mean when someone says "we are standing on the shoulders of giants"?

This idiom means that we are benefiting from the knowledge and achievements of those who came before us. It's a metaphorical use of "we are standing".