we are watching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are watching" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a group of people is observing or monitoring something in real-time or over a period of time. Example: "As the event unfolds, we are watching closely to see how the situation develops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We are watching this".

The Guardian

We are watching her.

Independent

"We are watching carefully".

The New York Times

We are watching ourselves being watched.

Independent

We are watching that era fade.

The New York Times

We are watching an immaculate machine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We're watching it.

The New York Times

We're watching you".

The New Yorker

Because we're watching".

Independent

We're watching a movie.

The New York Times

We're watching you, Rev.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are watching" to convey a sense of vigilance or monitoring. It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that attention is being paid to a situation, person, or event.

Common error

Avoid using "we are watching" in overly passive constructions that weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, focus on who is doing the watching and what they are observing to create a more direct and engaging statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are watching" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action of observation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from monitoring situations to observing events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are watching" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys ongoing observation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase commonly appears in news and media contexts to indicate attentiveness to current events or situations. While its register is generally neutral, it can be adapted to suit various levels of formality. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context. Alternatives like "we are observing" or "we are monitoring" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are observing

Replaces "watching" with a more formal synonym, indicating careful observation.

we are monitoring

Suggests a systematic and ongoing observation, often for a specific purpose.

we are keeping an eye on

An idiomatic expression conveying vigilance and attention.

we are paying attention to

Emphasizes the act of focusing one's awareness on something.

we are tracking

Implies following the progress or movement of something.

we are following

Suggests keeping up with developments or changes.

we are keeping tabs on

Informal way of saying that you are monitoring something closely.

we are scrutinizing

Indicates a detailed and critical examination.

we are supervising

Suggests overseeing and directing an activity or process.

we are overseeing

Implies responsibility for managing and watching over something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we are watching" is used to indicate that a group is observing something. For example, "We are watching the negotiations closely" or "We are watching the weather forecast".

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

Alternatives to "we are watching" include "we are observing", "we are monitoring", or "we are keeping an eye on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we are watching" or "we were watching"?

The correct tense depends on the time frame. "We are watching" indicates present observation, while "we were watching" indicates past observation.

What is the difference between "we are watching" and "we are seeing"?

"We are watching" implies a deliberate act of observing something, while "we are seeing" suggests a more passive reception of visual information. For example, "We are watching the game" versus "We are seeing changes in the market".