are being contained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being contained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is currently being held or restricted within certain limits or boundaries. Example: "The hazardous materials are being contained to prevent any environmental damage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The company's management says its losses are being contained.

The New York Times

As recent events show, neither Islamic State nor refugees are being contained within the region.

The Guardian - Opinion

Militants fleeing towards neighbouring Chad and Niger are being "contained", military spokesman Chris Olukolade said, in a statement on Monday.

BBC

The 27 individuals suspected of having come into contact with the infected woman are being contained at their homes, and there are currently no plans for a community-wide quarantine.

Vice

It could be that some of these individuals are transiently excreting M.tuberculosis but then either self-cure or that we are in fact picking up primary infections that are being contained and converted into a latent infection.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The new agreements will be for 2018-19, or years five and six of the Gonski agreements, which are are contained in the Australian Education Act, legislated by Labor.

The Guardian

Petrobras said that the P-7 spill was being contained and that there were no injuries.

The New York Times

"The decline is being contained," said Ulysses Yannas, an analyst at Buckman, Buckman & Reid.

The New York Times

But if expenditure is being contained – even cut to a small extent – where is the problem?

The Guardian - Business

A bigger question is whether that program was being contained by the work of United Nations weapons inspectors.

The New York Times

Mr. Brooks overlooks the fact that Saddam Hussein was being contained through the use of no-fly zones and economic sanctions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being contained", ensure the subject is clearly defined, specifying what is being restricted or limited. For instance, instead of just saying "the issues are being contained", clarify with "the data breach issues are being contained by the IT department".

Common error

Avoid using "are being contained" without specifying the method or means of containment. Saying "the spread is being contained" lacks clarity; it's better to specify how: "the spread is being contained through quarantine measures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being contained" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being limited or restricted. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes a current state where efforts are underway to manage something within certain boundaries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being contained" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe ongoing efforts to limit or restrict something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts, reflecting its neutral to formal register. When using "are being contained", it's crucial to specify what is being contained and, if possible, the methods being used. While the phrase itself is accurate, ensure clarity by avoiding overgeneralizations and providing sufficient context. Examples on Ludwig highlight its application in scenarios ranging from controlling disease outbreaks to managing information or resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being restricted

This alternative focuses on the limitation of something, often by external rules or forces.

are being controlled

This suggests a managed limitation, often with the implication of an active agent exerting control.

are being limited

This is a general term for reducing the scope or amount of something.

are being managed

This implies a process of handling or directing something to keep it within desired parameters.

are being kept in check

This suggests preventing something from growing or escalating.

are being suppressed

This indicates that something is being actively prevented from manifesting or spreading.

are being curbed

This implies a reduction in the activity or prevalence of something.

are being checked

This means that something is being monitored and restrained.

are being held back

This suggests an effort to prevent something from advancing or progressing.

are being restrained

This emphasizes the act of holding something back, often through force or authority.

FAQs

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

Use "are being contained" to indicate that something is currently being limited or restricted. For example, "The rumors "are being contained" by the company's official statement".

What phrases are similar to "are being contained"?

Alternatives include "are being restricted", "are being controlled", or "are being limited", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "contain"?

While both active and passive voice have their place, "are being contained" (passive) emphasizes the action being done to the subject. Active voice (e.g., "they are containing") focuses on the actor. Choose based on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "are being contained" and "are contained"?

"Are being contained" indicates an ongoing process of containment, whereas "are contained" suggests a completed state. For example, "the spill is being contained" means the process is underway; "the spill is contained" means it's fully under control.