are being preserved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being preserved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is currently in the process of being kept safe or maintained. Example: "The ancient artifacts are being preserved in a climate-controlled environment to ensure their longevity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Old town houses, once derelict, are being preserved.

The New York Times - Arts

And 150 years later all their efforts are being preserved and being used now".

The Guardian

However, today's announcement confirms the business has a future and jobs are being preserved".

The Guardian - Business

Across the country, gardens are being preserved in towns, and even cities, for public and private enjoyment.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, those whose gardens are being preserved in the agreement are feeling something akin to survivor's guilt.

The New York Times

"This is an opportunity to show the different ways these forms have been evolving and are being preserved," she said.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

What is being preserved?

The New York Times - Sports

"The land is being preserved," he said.

The New York Times

It wasn't clear if the tree was being preserved or had been marked for death.

The New Yorker

Mentions Philippe Petit, the tightrope walker, whose signature on a wall is being preserved by plastic.

The New Yorker

The supertrees' genetic legacy is being preserved in five main tree libraries in different climates.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are being preserved", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being protected or maintained. For instance, "Historical documents are being preserved" is more effective than "Things are being preserved."

Common error

Avoid using "are being preserved" without specifying who or what is doing the preserving if it adds clarity. The passive voice can sometimes obscure agency, so consider if an active voice construction would be more direct and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being preserved" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of preservation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical function and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are being preserved" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe ongoing efforts to protect, maintain, or conserve something. According to Ludwig, this expression is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality due to its prevalence in professional writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being preserved and, if necessary, who or what is doing the preserving. Alternatives like "are being conserved" or "are being protected" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being conserved

Emphasizes the careful management and use of resources to prevent depletion.

are being protected

Highlights the safeguarding of something from harm or damage.

are being safeguarded

Stresses the measures taken to ensure the security and well-being of something.

are being maintained

Focuses on keeping something in good condition through regular care and upkeep.

are being kept safe

Highlights the protection of something from potential danger or harm.

are being upheld

Implies that standards, laws or principles are being actively maintained or defended.

are under preservation

Changes the structure to a noun phrase, emphasizing the state of being preserved.

are in the process of being preserved

Adds emphasis to the ongoing nature of the preservation efforts.

preservation efforts are underway

Shift to focus on the efforts of preservation rather than the object.

are being cherished

Emphasizes the value and affection attached to the item being preserved.

FAQs

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

Use "are being preserved" to describe something that is currently undergoing protection or maintenance. For example, "The rainforests "are being preserved" to protect biodiversity."

What are some alternatives to saying "are being preserved"?

Alternatives include "are being conserved", "are being protected", or "are being maintained", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, use "is being preserved" for singular nouns and "are being preserved" for plural nouns. For example, "The artifact is being preserved" versus "The artifacts "are being preserved"."

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

"Are being preserved" indicates an ongoing action in the present, while "were being preserved" indicates an ongoing action in the past. For example, "The buildings are being preserved now" versus "The buildings "were being preserved" last year."