are being circumvented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being circumvented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where rules, laws, or obstacles are being avoided or bypassed in a passive manner. Example: "The regulations that were meant to protect consumers are being circumvented by some companies looking to increase their profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sanctions are being circumvented by the rampant smuggling of Iraqi oil.

The New York Times - Books

UK spy agency GCHQ has reportedly been given full access to the information, raising concern that British privacy laws are being circumvented.

Independent

However, these drawbacks are being circumvented by modern technology and the immobilization process offers advantages that outweigh these drawbacks [12, 14].

Chemistry Central Journal

Nick Pickles, director of campaign group Big Brother Watch, said: "There are legal processes to request information about British citizens using American services and if they are being circumvented by using these NSA spying arrangements then that would be a very serious issue".

BBC

Satan and I are being circumvented.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The justice ministry worries that the rise in private arbitration means the legal system is being circumvented.Black lawyers tend to back Mr Hlophe.

The Economist

People were coming to me and saying, 'We're now targeting our own country!' " Drake says that N.S.A. officials who helped the agency obtain FISA warrants were suddenly reassigned, a tipoff that the conventional process was being circumvented.

The New Yorker

This problem is being circumvented thanks to a combination of efforts from various research groups.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

My guess is that O2 realised that they didn't have much of a leg to stand on if they couldn't specify exactly which of its carrier features and policies were being circumvented by an app automating a look-up that any human could do using Safari on the iPhone.

TechCrunch

"It appears that our mission is being influenced and shaped by outside parties and rogue interests... and Congressional intent for our agency is being circumvented by some of our leaders.

Huffington Post

"But what you're describing is something that sounds as if that's been circumvented.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being circumvented" when you want to emphasize that rules or regulations are not just being broken, but cleverly avoided, often in a way that isn't immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "are being circumvented" when the rules are openly and directly broken. "Violated" is more appropriate in such cases, while "circumvented" implies a degree of subtlety or ingenuity in the avoidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being circumvented" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is having rules, laws, or obstacles avoided by some unspecified actor. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are being circumvented" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the passive avoidance of rules or regulations, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not extremely common, it appears in neutral contexts such as news and scientific publications. The phrase implies a deliberate effort to evade something, setting it apart from simple ignorance or violation. Alternatives like "are being evaded" or "are being bypassed" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure that the situation truly involves avoidance rather than direct violation, and always consider your audience to adjust the level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being evaded

Focuses on skillful avoidance, often implying a deliberate intent to escape detection.

are being bypassed

Suggests that a route or procedure is being skipped or gone around.

are being sidestepped

Similar to 'bypassed' but can also imply clever maneuvering.

are being avoided

Emphasizes the act of keeping away from something, potentially due to its unpleasantness or difficulty.

are being dodged

Suggests agile avoidance, often of a specific challenge or problem.

are being undermined

Implies that the effectiveness or authority of something is gradually being weakened.

are being skirted

Implies a careful attempt to avoid direct confrontation or engagement.

are being flouted

Suggests an open and contemptuous disregard for rules or laws.

are being outmaneuvered

Highlights a strategic and skillful avoidance, often implying competition.

are being subverted

Indicates an attempt to undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution.

FAQs

How can I use "are being circumvented" in a sentence?

Use "are being circumvented" to describe a situation where rules or laws are being cleverly avoided, often without technically breaking them. For example, "Tax laws "are being circumvented" through offshore accounts".

What's a simpler way to say "are being circumvented"?

You can use phrases like "are being avoided" or "are being bypassed" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is being circumvented"?

Yes, "is being circumvented" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "are being circumvented" is used for plural subjects. For example, "The rule is being circumvented".

What's the difference between "are being circumvented" and "are being ignored"?

"Are being circumvented" implies active avoidance, often through clever means, while "are being ignored" simply means the rules are not being followed. Ignoring is passive, circumventing is active.