are being pointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being pointed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is currently being indicated or directed towards something else. Example: "The signs are being pointed towards the exit to help guide the visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

You are being pointed at the moral being that : "bubbles are artificial and so markets should be regulated to stop bubbles getting out off control" by the same people - economists who got us in this mess.

BBC

Fingers are being pointed.

The New York Times - Arts

And fingers are being pointed at Mr. Taubman.

The New York Times

Such activities are being pointed to as evidence for the decaying morality of government officials".

The New Yorker

"Fingers are being pointed at people for upholding the law for over a decade".

The New York Times

Already fingers are being pointed at the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad – and not without reason.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The finger is being pointed at Naomi Campbell.

The New York Times

The finger is being pointed instead at a wayward hack.

The Guardian

Mark Valeski is being pointed to the Peter Pan Stakes next weekend at Belmont Park.

The New York Times - Sports

The finger of blame, rightly or wrongly, is being pointed at Huhne, the energy secretary.

The Guardian

The finger is being pointed at the media - especially tabloid newspapers and rightwing media organisations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are being pointed" in contexts where you want to emphasize the passive nature of the action, highlighting that something or someone is the recipient of direction or focus, rather than the initiator.

Common error

Avoid using "are being pointed" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound convoluted and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being pointed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is receiving the action of being directed or indicated. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are being pointed" is a versatile passive verb construction used to emphasize direction, attribution, or focus. Grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, it communicates the reception of an action rather than its initiation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its proper usage and provides diverse examples. When writing, consider if the passive voice is truly necessary or if an active voice would enhance clarity. Exploring alternatives like "are directed towards" can further refine your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are directed towards

Emphasizes the act of directing something toward a specific target or goal.

are aimed at

Focuses on the purpose of directing something, implying intention.

are focused on

Highlights the concentration of attention or effort on a particular subject.

are geared towards

Suggests that something is designed or adapted to a specific purpose.

are attributed to

Indicates that something is believed to be caused by or associated with a particular person or thing.

are assigned to

Implies that something is officially given or allocated to a specific person or purpose.

are channeled into

Suggests that resources or efforts are directed into a particular area or activity.

are funneled into

Similar to 'channeled into', but emphasizes a narrowing or focusing of resources.

are inclined to

Indicates a tendency or predisposition towards a certain direction or outcome.

are predisposed to

Similar to 'inclined to', but suggests a stronger inherent tendency.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are being pointed" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "someone is pointing", or "they are directing" depending on the context. This makes the sentence more direct and engaging.

What's a more formal alternative to "are being pointed"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "are directed towards" or "are attributed to" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is it always better to avoid passive voice constructions like "are being pointed"?

Not always. The passive voice is useful when you want to emphasize the object or action rather than the actor. However, clarity is key, so use it judiciously.

When is it most appropriate to use "are being pointed"?

Use "are being pointed" when the focus is on what's receiving the direction or attention, especially when the actor is unknown or less important than the action itself.