we are staring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are staring" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of looking intently at something or someone. Example: "As the sun set over the horizon, we are staring in awe at the beautiful colors painting the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

He kindly said not to worry about interrupting, and explained that riders used to simply stare at nothing; now at least when we stare, we are staring at something, he reasoned.

Huffington Post

Now we are staring at the abyss of civil war.

The New Yorker

We are staring down racism in our own backyard.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are staring into the abyss," a Catholic politician said.

The New Yorker

Now we are staring at the abyss of civil war. 1. TRAPDOOREarly morning, March , 2012

The New Yorker

We are staring into our future and it does not work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A pickup truck with the bumper sticker "No Hillary No Way" roared past us, and we stared at its message as if we were staring at a swastika.

The New Yorker

We were staring into the abyss.

Independent

We're staring at the crowd, staring at the flag.

The New York Times

Maybe we're staring because they're amazing.

The Guardian - Sport

"Last week we were staring into the abyss," one banker said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are staring" when you want to emphasize a direct and intent gaze, often suggesting a sense of awe, fear, or confrontation. It's suitable for describing both physical objects and abstract situations.

Common error

Avoid using "we are staring" when a more neutral term like "looking" or "watching" would be more appropriate. "Staring" implies a level of intensity or focus that might not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are staring" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action of looking intently at something. As shown in the examples Ludwig provides, this action can be literal or figurative.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are staring" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of intensely observing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish "staring" from more casual forms of observation like "looking" or "watching". Alternatives such as "we are observing" or "we are facing" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, allowing for more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are looking at

Provides a straightforward description of directing one's gaze.

we are watching

Offers a more general term for observing something.

we are observing

Focuses on a more detached and analytical form of watching.

we are facing

Emphasizes the act of confronting a situation directly.

we are gazing at

Implies a prolonged and often admiring look.

we are witnessing

Highlights the act of being present while something unfolds.

we are beholding

Suggests a sense of wonder or awe in the act of viewing.

we are contemplating

Indicates a thoughtful and reflective observation.

we are inspecting

Signifies a detailed and careful examination.

we are previewing

Highlights the act of viewing something in advance.

FAQs

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

You can use "we are staring" to describe the act of looking intently at something, such as "We are staring at the data, trying to find a trend" or "We are staring into the abyss of uncertainty".

What's the difference between "we are staring" and "we are looking"?

"We are staring" implies a more intense and prolonged gaze than "we are looking". Staring often suggests surprise, fear, or intense focus, while looking is more neutral.

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

You can use alternatives like "we are observing", "we are facing", or "we are watching" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "we are staring" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "we are staring" when you want to convey a sense of intense focus, surprise, or fear. Avoid using it in situations where a more casual observation is intended.