are being played

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being played" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action where something is currently being performed or executed, often in the context of music, games, or performances. Example: "The latest hits are being played at the concert, creating an electrifying atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Games are being played.

The New York Times - Sports

Dangerous games are being played here".

Independent

Two language games are being played simultaneously.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the Democrats are being played.

The Washington Post

"Games are being played," Mr. Shays said.

The New York Times

David: I don't think the bishops are being played.

The New York Times

The Dubai championships are being played this week.

The New Yorker

Both are being played down by toy sellers these days.

The New York Times

Both parents are being played by master performers of deep experience, Frank Langella and Linda Lavin.

The New York Times

Additionally,an increasing number of songs written by the deceased are being played.

Independent

Matches are being played over two months in nine separate countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being played" to describe events, games, roles, or actions that are currently happening or in progress. Ensure the subject is plural to match the verb conjugation.

Common error

Avoid using "is being played" when referring to multiple subjects. Ensure the plural form "are" is used when the subjects are plural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being played" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It indicates that a plural subject is currently undergoing the action of being played. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being played" is a grammatically sound and frequently used present continuous passive construction, according to Ludwig AI. It's primarily used to describe ongoing actions or events involving plural subjects, such as games, roles, or songs. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports to general conversations. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC. To ensure correct usage, pay attention to subject-verb agreement and avoid using it with singular subjects. Alternatives like "are in progress" or "are underway" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in progress

Replaces "played" with "in progress" focusing on the action's continuation.

are underway

Similar to "in progress", but often implies a more organized or official event.

are taking place

Emphasizes the occurrence or happening of the event.

are happening

A more general and less formal way to indicate that something is occurring.

are being conducted

Suggests a more formal or controlled execution of the action.

are being performed

Implies a performance or execution, often in the context of arts or duties.

are being executed

Highlights the carrying out or implementation of a plan or activity.

are currently running

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity.

are being staged

Suggests a deliberate setup or presentation, often used for events or productions.

are being presented

Focuses on the act of showing or displaying something to an audience.

FAQs

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

You can use "are being played" to describe an ongoing action involving multiple subjects, for example: "The songs "are being played" at the party" or "The roles "are being played" by different actors".

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

You can use alternatives like "are in progress", "are underway", or "are taking place" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is being played" or "are being played"?

"Are being played" is correct when referring to a plural subject. "Is being played" should be used with singular subjects. For example, "The game is being played" versus "The games "are being played"".

What's the difference between "are being played" and "were being played"?

"Are being played" indicates a present continuous action, while "were being played" indicates a past continuous action. For example, "The songs "are being played" now" versus "The songs were being played earlier".