an ongoing force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that continues to have an impact or influence over time. Example: "The community has become an ongoing force for positive change in the neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

ATLANTA — It has been an ongoing force, the hype surrounding Zack Wheeler, shadowing the struggling Mets this season from far away, from wherever the organization's Class AAA team was playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the Koker trilogy, for example, we see an ongoing life force in the face of death and destruction, and the power of human resilience to overcome and defy death.

Wikipedia

One of the officers who fired at Willie had previously shot and killed an unarmed man and is the subject of an ongoing excessive force lawsuit.

The Guardian

That boost from the housing market won't last for ever, so it is encouraging that rising real incomes should be an ongoing driving force behind consumers spending, even after the sugar rush from the housing market has become exhausted".

The Guardian - Business

But this exhibition leaves the impression that her moment was very much located in the 1920s, after which she was respected and honored but more as a seminal figure than an ongoing artistic force.

The Washington Post

Moreover, unlike the lentiviruses that can infect OWMs and hominids, and result in ongoing host virus arms race, the infection by non-lentiviruses is often an occasional zoonosis [41], [42], and is unlikely to become an ongoing selective force, providing a possible explanation why NWM Tetherin does not undergo a continuous adaptive evolution.

Plosone

"Grass" is a movie of memory, with the café serving as a sort of spontaneous public confessional booth that customers fill with fragments of their past lives and the ongoing force of their traumas.

The New Yorker

Thank you for "The Origin of Darwin," by Olivia Judson (Op-Ed, Feb. 12), and "Darwin at 200: The Ongoing Force of His Unconventional Idea," by Verlyn Klinkenborg (Editorial Observer, Feb. 12).

The New York Times

In order to successfully support current and future US military operations in coastal zones, geospatial information must be rapidly integrated and analyzed to meet ongoing force structure evolution and new mission directives.

ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

So too the ongoing force of climate change will mean more storms like Sandy. 2. A strong, well-funded federal government.

Huffington Post

Major protests, civil disobedience and arrests are key parts of movement strategy, but the day-to-day activities of discussion, working groups and general assemblies are the deep structure, the ongoing forces adding mass and momentum to Occupy's wave.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ongoing force" to describe something that consistently exerts influence or has a continuing impact over time. This phrase is suitable for describing abstract concepts, movements, or persistent factors.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing force" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "Change was being driven by an ongoing force", try "An ongoing force was driving change" for more direct and impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes something that exerts continuous influence or has a persistent effect over time, indicating active and sustained agency.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an ongoing force" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something with continuous impact or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although examples are rare. It functions as a noun phrase, emphasizes sustained effects, and appears most frequently in news and scientific contexts. While a direct and active voice is preferred, the term suits varied registers. Alternatives like “a continuing influence” or “a persistent influence” offer similar meanings with subtle differences. Therefore, while it is grammatically sound and generally accepted, writers should consider the context to ensure the chosen phrase precisely conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a continuing influence

Replaces "force" with "influence", emphasizing the effect rather than the power.

a persistent influence

Similar to "continuing influence", but highlights the enduring nature of the impact.

a constant pressure

Focuses on the idea of continuous exertion or demand.

a sustained effort

Emphasizes the prolonged nature of the activity or endeavor.

a relentless drive

Highlights the unwavering and forceful nature of the impetus.

an enduring power

Replaces "ongoing" with "enduring", stressing the lasting quality of the power.

a continuous momentum

Focuses on the sustained increase or maintenance of progress.

a permanent fixture

Suggests something that has become an established and lasting part of a situation.

a steadfast presence

Highlights the consistent and reliable nature of something.

a prevailing trend

Indicates a current and widespread pattern or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "an ongoing force" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing force" to describe something that persistently exerts influence. For example, "Technological innovation is "an ongoing force" in shaping modern society".

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing force"?

Alternatives include "a continuing influence", "a persistent influence", or "a constant pressure" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a continuous force" or "an ongoing force"?

Both "continuous force" and "ongoing force" are grammatically correct. "Ongoing force" emphasizes the continuing nature of something, while "continuous force" highlights uninterrupted action. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "an ongoing trend" and "an ongoing force"?

"An ongoing trend" refers to a pattern that is currently happening and continuing, while "an ongoing force" refers to something that is actively causing or influencing events over time. The term "an ongoing trend" describes a direction, and "an ongoing force" describes an active cause.