are being caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action is currently happening, particularly in passive constructions involving the act of being caught. Example: "The fish are being caught at an alarming rate, threatening the local ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Offenders are being caught and punished.

The Guardian

Even United are being caught out by these sucker punches.

The Guardian - Sport

Those people who have gotten through are being caught and deported at record-high rates.

The New York Times

Recognizing when you are being caught up in a social epidemic is often difficult.

The New York Times

As a result, 20-inch trout are being caught just two hours from Manhattan.

The New York Times - Travel

"Over 90% of the Pacific bluefin tuna are being caught as juveniles," Nickson said.

The Guardian

The civilians, as ever in war, are being caught in the middle.

The New York Times

Increasingly, the fish are being caught before they have reached maturity and spawned.

The New York Times - Science

"Families that are extraordinarily vulnerable are being caught up in the horrible harmful process that's unlawful".

The New York Times

The idea peddled by the Conservatives that people on middle incomes are being caught in IHT is pure bunk.

The Guardian - Money

Still, pecan thieves are being caught in numbers that are nearly double what they were in 2010.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being caught", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is doing the catching to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are being caught" when an active construction would be more direct and concise. Overusing the passive voice can make writing seem weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being caught" functions as a passive present continuous verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is currently undergoing the action of being caught. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are being caught" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe an ongoing process of apprehension or detection. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what is performing the action of catching. Remember to use active constructions for more direct and concise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are getting captured

Substitutes "caught" with "captured", emphasizing the act of seizing.

are being apprehended

Provides a formal alternative using the word "apprehended" instead of "caught".

are getting apprehended

Replaces "being caught" with a more formal synonym for apprehension.

are getting seized

Employs "seized" to indicate a forceful taking or confiscation.

are being seized

Uses "seized" emphasizing a formal or legal confiscation.

are getting ensnared

Uses "ensnared" to suggest being trapped, adding a sense of involuntariness.

are being detected

Focuses on the act of discovery rather than the act of catching.

are being discovered

Emphasizes the uncovering or finding of something.

are subject to capture

Indicates a vulnerability or likelihood of being caught.

are liable to be caught

Suggests a risk or probability of being caught.

FAQs

How do I use "are being caught" in a sentence?

Use "are being caught" to describe an ongoing process of apprehension. For example, "The criminals "are being caught" by the police" indicates that the process of catching the criminals is currently happening.

What can I say instead of "are being caught"?

Alternatives include "are getting apprehended", "are getting captured", or "are getting ensnared", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are being caught" or "are caught"?

"Are being caught" implies an ongoing action, while "are caught" suggests a completed action. Choose the form that accurately reflects the timing you want to express. For example: the thieves are being caught at the moment but after the arrest they are caught.

What is the difference between "are being caught" and "were being caught"?

"Are being caught" refers to a present continuous passive action, whereas "were being caught" refers to a past continuous passive action. The choice depends on whether the action was/is ongoing in the present or in the past.