are being held

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being held" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action that started in the past and is continuing into the present. For example, "The negotiations are being held in the conference room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Services are being held privately.

The New York Times

All three are being held without bail.

The New York Times

They are being held on assault charges.

The New York Times

The worlds are being held Aug.

The New York Times - Sports

Classes in Tamazight are being held.

The New York Times

They are being held without bail.

The New York Times

"They are being held outside anybody's scrutiny.

The New York Times

They are being held pending further proceedings.

The New York Times

All three are being held without bond.

The New York Times

They are being held without bond.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Once again military parades are being held in Red Square.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In the context of events, clarify where and when the events "are being held" to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The meetings are being held in the main conference room throughout the week."

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive constructions like "are being held" can make writing sound indirect and less engaging. Opt for active voice where possible to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The prisoners are being held," consider "The authorities hold the prisoners."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being held" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is receiving the action rather than performing it. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, such as describing people in custody or events taking place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being held" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to describe a current state of containment, possession, or the ongoing nature of an event. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, though active voice alternatives might enhance clarity in some instances. Remember to use active voice for more directness. Ludwig examples confirm the phrase's versatility and widespread application, solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are presently detained

Highlights the action of being kept in official custody.

are presently kept

Emphasizes a general state of being maintained or stored.

are actively kept

Emphasizes that they are maintained actively.

are currently retained

Focuses on the act of keeping something in possession temporarily.

are in the process of being kept

Refers to an action where the holding state is not final.

are actively controlled

Focuses on maintaining an action of authority or regulation over something.

are now conducted

Shifts the focus to the execution or performance of an event or activity.

are actively managed

Highlights the ongoing process of overseeing and controlling something.

are in progress

This alternative highlights that the action is happening now.

are presently the subject of

Changes the focus to the act of experiencing or undergoing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "are being held" to describe a current state of containment or possession. For example, "The suspects "are being held" in custody", or "The negotiations "are being held" in private".

What does "are being held" mean?

"Are being held" indicates that someone or something is currently in a state of confinement, possession, or is taking place. The specific meaning depends on the context. For example, people may be detained, or events may be currently taking place.

What are some alternatives to "are being held"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "are currently retained", "are presently detained", or "are now conducted" to convey similar meanings.

Is it better to use active or passive voice instead of "are being held"?

While "are being held" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The items "are being held" by the museum", you could say "The museum holds the items."