are being expanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being expanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of growth or increase in size, scope, or capacity. Example: "The facilities are being expanded to accommodate the growing number of students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Issues that seem especially keepsakeworthy are being expanded into hardcover books.

The New York Times

The maps, which were first offered last year, are being expanded but are still considered prototypes.

The Guardian

Police powers to issue conditional cautions without making reference to the CPS are being expanded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Family vineyards and all manner of other small enterprises are being expanded and improved.

The New York Times - Travel

Where they need to be, ports are being expanded to accommodate the largest ships.

Independent

All over the city and region parking lots are being expanded or resurfaced in anticipation.

The New York Times - Sports

They have big home airports that are being expanded with gusto.

The Economist

The services are being expanded to include 3-D topography as well as 3-D buildings for some locations.

The New York Times

However, applications of PGS are being expanded to include drug delivery, tissue adhesive and hard tissue (i.e., bone) regeneration.

Progress in Polymer Science

To handle this, three Atlantic ports are being expanded, while there are plans for a fourth on the Pacific side.

The Economist

On the other hand, it is explained that the vegetation regions are being expanded year by year in the oases in the northern edge.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being expanded", ensure the context clearly indicates what is growing or increasing. Provide specific details about the nature and extent of the expansion for clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "are being expanded" is grammatically correct, active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to use an active subject when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being expanded" functions as a passive construction within a verb phrase, indicating that something is undergoing a process of growth or enlargement. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, affirming its proper usage. Many examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being expanded" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the ongoing process of something growing or increasing in size, scope, or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "are being enlarged" or "are developing" may offer nuances, "are being expanded" effectively conveys the sense of something undergoing active growth, often influenced by external factors. Therefore, use this phrase confidently when describing a process of expansion, ensuring the context clearly indicates what is being grown or increased for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being enlarged

This alternative emphasizes physical size or capacity more directly than "are being expanded".

are being developed

This alternative focuses on the process of growth and improvement, rather than just an increase in size.

are being broadened

This alternative emphasizes increasing the range or scope of something.

are being widened

This alternative specifically refers to increasing the width or scope.

are growing

A simpler alternative, focusing on the general process of increase.

are increasing

Another simpler alternative, highlighting the rise in quantity or degree.

are extending

This option emphasizes lengthening or prolonging something.

are augmenting

This alternative means to increase something, but it often implies adding something to do so.

are amplifying

This choice suggests increasing the strength or intensity of something.

are scaling up

This alternative specifically refers to increasing production or operations.

FAQs

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

You can use "are being expanded" to describe the process of something growing or increasing in size, scope, or capacity. For example, "The services "are being expanded" to include 3-D topography."

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

You can use alternatives like "are being enlarged", "are being developed", or "are growing" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "are being expanded" or "are expanding"?

The choice depends on the context. "Are being expanded" implies an external force is causing the expansion, while "are expanding" suggests an internal or natural growth process. For instance, "The business is expanding" versus "The business's operations are being expanded by new investment".

What's the difference between "are being expanded" and "are expanding"?

"Are being expanded" is passive, indicating something is acted upon to increase, while "are expanding" is active, showing something itself is growing. Consider: "The port facilities "are being expanded"" (by an external entity) versus "The company "is expanding"" (through its own efforts).