you are working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you are working" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's current activity or occupation, often in the context of a conversation or instruction. Example: "I see that you are working on the project; let me know if you need any assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You are working at night.

The New Yorker

You are working.

The New York Times

You are working on a documentary.

The New York Times

"You are working always with physical elements.

The New York Times - Arts

'You are working in football?

The Guardian - Sport

"You are working, but your eyes close.

The Guardian

Now, obviously, you are working again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know you are working more now".

The New Yorker

Imagine you are working from home.

The Guardian - Tech

Time flies when you are... working.

University of California, Berkeley

While you are working, frequently commit.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "you are working" in instructions, be specific about the task and desired outcome to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the listener knows all the details of their assignment. Clearly define the parameters of "the work" to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you are working" functions as a present continuous statement indicating an action in progress. Ludwig shows examples where it is used to describe current activities, ongoing projects, or someone's occupation at the moment of speaking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "you are working" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an ongoing activity or current employment status. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a present continuous statement and serves to inquire, acknowledge, or offer assistance related to someone's tasks. While generally neutral in tone, context and audience may shift the level of formality. Ludwig’s analysis of various sources reveals its prevalent usage in “News & Media” and “Wiki” content, making it a versatile phrase suitable for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you're currently employed

This alternative specifies that the person is currently employed, emphasizing the state of being employed at the present time.

you are busy with work

This focuses on the state of being occupied with tasks or duties related to work.

you're on the job

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes that the person is actively performing their job duties.

you are in the middle of a task

This focuses on being in the process of completing a specific task.

you're presently occupied

This alternative uses a more formal tone, highlighting that the person's time is currently being used or filled with a task.

you are performing duties

This emphasizes the execution of required actions or responsibilities.

you are engaged in labor

This alternative is more formal and stresses the act of performing work, often physical or manual labor.

you're actively pursuing tasks

This highlights an ongoing effort towards achieving work-related goals.

you're currently active

This refers to someone who is not resting but is doing something else.

you're dedicating time to tasks

This refers to time spent working and getting things done.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "you are working" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "you are engaged in", or "you are performing duties", depending on the context.

Is "you are working" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "you are working" is generally acceptable in professional communication. However, the specific context and audience should be considered. Alternatives like "you are currently employed" may be more suitable in certain situations.

What's the difference between "you are working" and "you are employed"?

"You are working" implies an action in progress, while "you are employed" suggests a state of having a job. You can be employed but not currently working (e.g., on vacation).

Can I use "you are working" in a question?

Yes, you can use "you are working" in a question, such as "You are working on a project, aren't you?" or "What are you working on?"