are being haunted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being haunted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is currently experiencing the effects of being haunted, often in a supernatural context. Example: "The old house has a dark history, and the new owners claim they are being haunted by the spirits of its former residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Both main parties are being haunted by returning ghosts.

Independent

LIKE Ebenezer Scrooge, the markets are being haunted by the Ghost of Crises Past.

The Economist

In some ways, leaders of both countries are being haunted by an ambiguity that they deliberately cultivated for years.

The New York Times

England may have given up the ghost in this World Cup but Wales' players believe they are being haunted by one in the hallways of the Weybridge hotel where they find themselves once more this week.

Independent

There are also signs that stranger things are afoot: two different characters are being haunted by ghostly visions, and several of them have been affected by incest and fire.

BBC

With the prevalence of digital cameras and the tendency of most technology to store photos and data indefinitely, increasingly many of us are being haunted by our over-documented pasts.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I often felt that I was being haunted.

The Guardian - Books

In my own home, I'm being haunted by the decision not to have a wedding".

The New York Times

Acknowledging you're being haunted only validates the ghost and makes it stronger," Hannah Smothers advises in her story.

The Washington Post

In Regency England, a notorious woman fears that she is being haunted by her husband's ghost.

The New York Times - Books

In early-19th-century England, a notorious woman fears that she is being haunted by her husband's ghost.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being haunted", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is experiencing the haunting. Provide specific details about the nature of the haunting for clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "are being haunted" to describe past events. Use "were being haunted" instead. For example, say "The family were being haunted by a poltergeist" for a past haunting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being haunted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action (haunting). Ludwig shows the phrase used to describe both literal supernatural experiences and metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Film

10%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being haunted" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe a current experience of being haunted. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not extremely frequent, it appears most commonly in News & Media sources, as well as in literary contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject is clearly defined and the context is appropriately established. Consider alternatives like "are experiencing paranormal activity" for a more direct approach or "are troubled by memories" for a metaphorical use. It is important to remember the appropriate tense when describing ongoing or past events. The provided guidelines aim to assist in using the phrase correctly and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are experiencing paranormal activity

This alternative directly refers to paranormal events, differing from the more general feeling of being haunted.

are tormented by spirits

This alternative emphasizes the suffering caused by the haunting.

are plagued by apparitions

This alternative focuses on the visual aspect of the haunting, the appearance of ghosts or spirits.

are terrorized by ghosts

This alternative highlights the fear induced by the haunting.

are under a ghostly influence

This alternative suggests a more general control or effect from the supernatural.

are living in a haunted space

Focuses on the location itself, implying a persistent haunting of the area.

are stalked by phantoms

This alternative highlights the persistent and threatening nature of the haunting.

are vexed by spectral figures

This alternative uses more formal language to describe the haunting experience.

are besieged by supernatural entities

Implies a strong and overwhelming haunting experience.

are grappling with paranormal phenomena

This emphasizes a struggle against unexplained events rather than direct haunting.

FAQs

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

Use "are being haunted" to describe a current experience of being haunted by spirits or a supernatural presence. For example: "The new tenants claim they "are being haunted" by the previous owner's ghost".

What's a more formal way to say "are being haunted"?

A more formal way to express "are being haunted" could be "are experiencing paranormal disturbances" or "are subject to supernatural phenomena".

What is the difference between "is being haunted" and "are being haunted"?

"Is being haunted" refers to a singular subject experiencing a haunting, while "are being haunted" refers to a plural subject experiencing a haunting. For instance, "The house is being haunted" versus "The residents "are being haunted"".

What can I say instead of "are being haunted" to describe a non-supernatural experience?

If you want to avoid supernatural connotations, you could say "are troubled by memories", "are plagued by regrets", or "are being pursued by past actions" depending on the specific context.