are being offset

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being offset" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is being counterbalanced or compensated for. Example: "The costs of the project are being offset by the increased revenue from sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Currently the cost pressures from higher commodity prices are being offset by the stability in unit labor costs," he added.

The New York Times

Now, those stimulus payouts are waning, and are being offset by spending cuts by state and local governments.

The New York Times

Nokia's problems are being offset by the rise of electronic-games makers such as Rovio, the creator of Angry Birds.

The Economist

Profits in North America are being offset by falling earnings in Europe as the region's economy continues to come apart on concerns about government debt.

The New York Times

These adverse factors are being offset, however, by continued strong demand for United States exports, which are being helped by the weaker dollar, which makes American products more competitive on overseas markets.

The New York Times

Rents are beginning to rise and landlords are regaining the upper hand in the marketplace, although the higher rents are being offset by increased operating costs, especially for insurance, said Mr. Siegel of Corporate Realty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

That initial cost was hefty, but is being offset by savings on energy costs.

The New York Times

And the weak dollar is being offset by tourists from Europe and Canada.

The New York Times - Travel

"There is an overall sense of unease," he said, "which is being offset by, generally speaking, good earnings".

The New York Times

In general, the pace of fertility decline is accelerating, although it is being offset by declining infant mortality and increasing life expectancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Dudych added that price drops had not been as steep in new developments, perhaps because those drops were being offset by buyer incentives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being offset" to indicate that one factor is diminishing or canceling the effect of another. Ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the original factor and the offsetting one for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "are being offset" when the relationship is merely coincidental rather than causal. Ensure a direct influence exists between the factors you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being offset" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is receiving the action of being balanced or counteracted. Ludwig examples show its use in describing how various factors influence economic trends, sales figures, or even personal characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being offset" is a grammatically sound passive verb construction used to describe a situation where one factor reduces the impact of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears frequently across various domains, particularly in news reporting and scientific publications. Its versatility makes it a useful tool for expressing balance and mitigation in many contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the connection between the offset and original element is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being counterbalanced

This alternative directly implies an opposing force is creating equilibrium.

are being negated

This suggests a complete cancellation of the effect.

are being nullified

Similar to 'negated', but often used in more formal or legal contexts.

are being compensated for

Focuses on making up for a deficit or loss.

are being evened out

Implies a leveling of differences or inequalities.

are being balanced

A more general term for bringing into equilibrium.

are being mitigated

Suggests that the severity of something is being reduced.

are being counteracted

This implies an action is being taken to oppose something.

are being neutralized

Suggests something is being rendered ineffective.

are being atoned for

This alternative specifically relates to righting a wrong or making amends.

FAQs

What does "are being offset" mean?

The phrase "are being offset" means that the effect of something is being reduced or canceled out by another factor or influence. It implies a balancing or neutralizing action.

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

You can use "are being offset" to show how negative effects are being mitigated, or positive results are being diminished. For example: "The project's increased costs "are being offset" by higher revenues."

What are some alternatives to "are being offset"?

Alternatives to "are being offset" include "are being counterbalanced", "are being negated", or "are being compensated for", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it correct to say "is being offset" instead of "are being offset"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is being offset" with singular subjects (e.g., "The loss is being offset by gains.") and "are being offset" with plural subjects (e.g., "The losses are being offset by gains.").