are being given back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being given back" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being returned or restored to someone or something. Example: "The items that were borrowed are being given back to their rightful owners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Two such concerts are being given back to back at Weill Recital Hall this week.

The New Yorker

And now, decades later, local educators are being given back the reins.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I don't see what we're being given back.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Comprehensive safety legislation hasn't passed Congress, and BP hasn't paid the fines they owe for their spill, yet BP is being given back the keys to drill in the gulf," Mr. Markey said in a statement.

The New York Times

There were also concerns over parking, and councillors said not enough was being given back to the community by the club.

BBC

And at that price point, only five cents is being given back?

Huffington Post

Not one decision is being given back to the Member States, something which Mr Santer has repeatedly said would be desirable, however.

EU Parlament

It's been given back its power to suggest the majesty of the American West".

The New York Times - Arts

He said that Equatorial Guinea's coach, Frenchman Henri Michel, was being given strong backing to try and get the team to perform well at their own tournament.

BBC

The Maasai presented record books, showing visitor numbers being sent by each lodge, and proof of how much money was being given and taken back by the drivers.

The Guardian - Travel

An iconic native species that had been carelessly eradicated in the early 1900s was being given a chance to come back.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being given back" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the action, highlighting that something is being returned to someone or something, rather than focusing on who is returning it. For instance, use this phrase when the focus is on the recipient rather than the giver.

Common error

Avoid using "are being given back" when an active voice construction is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of saying "The books are being given back by the students", consider "The students are returning the books" if the emphasis is on the students' action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being given back" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is undergoing the action of being returned or restored. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, showcasing its role in conveying a return process.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being given back" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe the process of something being returned or restored. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and the examples showcase its application across diverse contexts, from news to scientific articles. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it finds a comfortable place in expressing returns or restorations where the focus is on the recipient. Related phrases like "are being returned" or "are being restored" can be used as alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. When using "are being given back", ensure the passive voice aligns with your intent to emphasize the object being returned rather than the actor performing the return.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being returned

Emphasizes the act of returning something.

are being restored

Focuses on the act of bringing something back to its original condition or state.

are being handed back

Highlights the physical act of transferring something back.

are being refunded

Specifically refers to money being returned.

are being reimbursed

Similar to refunded, but often used in a more formal context.

are being ceded back

Implies a formal return, often of territory or rights.

are being relinquished

Focuses on the act of voluntarily giving something back.

are being surrendered

Implies giving something back under duress or obligation.

are being transferred back

Emphasizes the act of moving something back to a previous owner or location.

are being reverted

Suggests a return to a previous state or condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are being given back"?

You can use phrases like "are being returned", "are being restored", or "are being handed back" depending on the context.

What does "are being given back" mean?

The phrase "are being given back" implies that something is in the process of being returned or restored to someone or something.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are being given back"?

Yes, "are being given back" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive voice to indicate that something is being returned.

When should I use "are being given back" instead of "are being returned"?

Use "are being given back" when you want to emphasize the action of returning and the recipient, whereas "are being returned" is a more direct way of expressing the return.